It may be time for your Colorectal Cancer Screening¹

**Covered at $0 copay^* for Humana Medicare Advantage members.**

68% of colorectal cancer deaths could potentially be avoided if all eligible people got screened.²

Call Humana's dedicated scheduling team to make an appointment for your colorectal cancer screening.

Senior men and woman on a wooded trail talking and smiling laughing

If you are a Humana Medicare Advantage member who may need a Colorectal Cancer Screening, see the important information on this page.

Help stop cancer before it starts—it could save your life.

What is a Colorectal Cancer Screening?

A screening that checks for colorectal cancer or pre-cancer in people without symptoms, since signs often appear only after it spreads.³
Most colorectal cancers start as pre-cancerous polyps. A Colorectal Cancer Screening can find and remove them before they turn cancerous.⁴
Two main screening types:
1. Colonoscopies: Usually require more prep but are done less often. Polyps can be removed during the exam.⁵ A visual Colonoscopy Exam is the gold standard.¹⁰
2. At-home test kits: Less invasive ,but done more often, and may require a follow-up visual exam if results are abnormal.⁵

Why should I get screened?

Polyps can take 10-15 years to turn into cancer. Getting screened regularly helps find and remove them early before potentially turning into cancer.⁶
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths, but is one of the most preventable. Screenings help when done routinely.⁷
When colorectal cancer is found early, it's often easier to treat, and there is a 90% 5-year survival rate. However, 6 out of 10 cases have a lower survival rate because they are not detected early enough.⁶

It may be time for a screening. Your plan has you covered.

Who should get screened?

The American Cancer Society and CDC now recommend screening for all adults starting at age 45. This is a change from the previous recommendation of age 50. About 9 in 10 cases occur in people 50 or older.⁸
Stool-based tests typically offer protection for 1–3 years; visual exams for 5–10 years, depending on test type and risk. If you're unsure when you were last screened, check with your doctor.
Some people need more frequent screening, including those with:
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or certain polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Prior radiation to the belly or pelvis to treat cancer⁹

What is covered by my plan?

Colorectal cancer screening is generally covered under your Humana plan with an in-network provider; some plans include out-of-network coverage.^*
Your plan covers colonoscopies and at-home test kits with a $0 copay, as recommended by your doctor.
Medicare covers colonoscopies every 10 years for average risk and every 2 years for high risk.
Removal of polyps during preventive screening is also covered.

Senior man with adult daughter and dog visiting together

We will schedule your colorectal cancer screening for you today

Our dedicated scheduling team can help you schedule an appointment:
Or talk to your doctor about getting your preventive colorectal cancer screening.

If you do not have a primary care physician, you can find one here or call our scheduling team

Female doctor is meeting with female patient during exam

Get ready for your appointment

Ask your doctor these questions about colorectal cancer:¹¹

What are my risk factors?
Do you recommend a colonoscopy or an at-home test kit for me?
How can I prepare for the screening? Should I change my diet or usual medications before the test?
Will the test be uncomfortable or painful?
Is there any risk involved in the screening?
When and how will I get results?
Can I drive myself to and from the appointment?
How long will it take?
What should I wear?
Are there other colonoscopy prep options?

Provider having consultation in doctors office

Download a checklist of all your recommended health screenings

Your Colorectal Cancer Screening may be just one of many healthy activities you can complete to take control of your health. Download the checklist below to view more screenings and discussions.

Sources:

"Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented?", American Cancer Society, last accessed February 27, 2024,
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html
"Preventing Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Deaths: Assessing the Impact of Increased Screening". Accessed February 27, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd17.200039
"Do I Have Colorectal Cancer? Signs, Symptoms and Work-Up", American Cancer Society, last accessed February 27, 2024,
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/signs-and-symptoms-of-colon-cancer.html
"What Should I Know About Screening?", Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed February 27, 2024,
https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/talking-to-doctor/
"Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests", American Cancer Society, Accessed February 27, 2024,
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening-tests-used.html
"Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early?", American Cancer Society, Accessed February 27, 2024,
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html
"Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer", American Cancer Society, Accessed February 27, 2024,
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
"Health and Economic Benefits of Colorectal Cancer Interventions", Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed February 27, 2024,
https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/priorities/colorectal-cancer.html
"American Cancer Society Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening", American Cancer Society, last accessed February 27, 2024,
www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html
"Colorectal Cancer: What You Should Know About Screening", Food and Drug Administration, last accessed February 27, 2024,
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/colorectal-cancer-what-you-should-know-about-screening
"Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Colorectal Cancer", Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed February 27, 2024,
https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/talking-to-doctor/

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* Any follow-up appointments, tests, diagnostic screenings to receive more definitive health information, or repeated screenings, may incur additional costs. Please review your plan for further details and what is covered by your plan.