Colorectal Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the United States. Screening tests can help prevent some cancers by finding and removing polyps that could become cancer in the future. In other cases, screening tests can identify cancers in their early stages and improve the chances of successful treatment.

Healthcare practitioners have an important role in educating their patients to get the appropriate screenings. If they don’t hear from their practitioner, they may not think there is a need for the screening.

Sanford Health Plan coverage for each colorectal cancer screening test or procedure is as follows:

• 40 to 49 years - Yearly stool for occult blood by fecal hemoglobin
• 50+ years - Colonoscopy every 10 years OR Stool for occult blood every year, flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years

See Preventive Health Guidelines for more information on coding.

Information Sources and Tools

• American Cancer Society Colon MD:  www.cancer.org/docroot/pro/pro_4_colonmd.asp
• National Cancer Institute:  www.cancer.gov
• South Dakota Council on Colorectal Cancer: The mission of the South Dakota Council on Colorectal Cancer is a statewide alliance of individuals and organizations working together to reduce the burden of cancer in South Dakota by increasing awareness and utilization of colorectal cancer prevention strategies through professional and public education. www.cancer.org/projectincheck
• How to Increase Preventive Screening Rates in Practice: An Action Plan for Implementing a Primary Care Clinician’s* Evidence-Based Toolbox and Guide.

Important Events/Observances

• National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – March: www.preventcancer.org/colorectal