What is covered by Medicare?

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

Call your doctor to schedule 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 Supplement policyholder 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 colorectal cancer screening looks for cancer or pre-cancer in someone who doesn't have any symptoms. Colorectal cancer usually doesn't cause symptoms until it's grown and spread.3 
  • Colorectal cancer usually develops from pre-cancerous polyps or abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. A screening can help find and remove polyps before they have a chance to turn into cancer.4 
  • There are two main types of colorectal screenings:
    1. Visual exams like a colonoscopy. They usually take more preparation but are done less frequently and can conveniently remove polyps during the exam.5 A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for catching and preventing colorectal cancer.10 
    2. Stool-based tests like an at-home test kit. They are less invasive but usually have to be done more frequently, and if a problem is suspected, you may need to get a visual exam.5

Why should I get screened?

  • Polyps can take 10-15 years to turn into cancer. When you get screened regularly, it 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.

 

head-mental-health.svg

Who should get screened?

 
  • The American Cancer Society and CDC recommend that all adults should start getting screened for colorectal cancer at age 45. Roughly 9 in 10 cases are people aged 50 or older.8 
  • Depending on your test type and risk level, stool-based tests usually protect you for 1-3 years, and visual exams typically protect you for 5-10 years. If you don't remember when you were screened last, schedule an appointment with your doctor. 
  • Some people may be at higher risk for colorectal cancer and may need to be screened more often. This includes:
    • Those who have a personal family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps.
    • Those who have had inflammatory bowel disease.
    • Those who have a history of radiation to the belly or pelvis area to treat cancer before.9

 

 

What is covered by my plan?

  • Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy or at-home test kit screening, both of which are covered by Medicare.
  • A colonoscopy is covered by Medicare every 10 years for those at average risk, and every 2 years for those at high risk.
  • Polyps found and removed during your preventive screening are also covered.

 

 

 

Senior man with adult daughter and dog visiting together

Why wait? Schedule your colorectal screening today.

  • Talk to your doctor about getting your preventive colorectal cancer screening.

Do you plan to schedule your colorectal cancer screening?

  • If you do not have a primary care physician, you can find one here

 

 

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 stool-based test or a visual exam 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?

 

 

Download a health screenings checklist

Download a health screenings checklist

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: 

  1. "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
  2. "Preventing Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Deaths: Assessing the Impact of Increased Screening". Accessed February 27, 2024,
     https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd17.200039
  3. "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
  4. "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/
  5. "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
  6. "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
  7. "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
  8. "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
  9.  "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
  10. "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
  11. "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/