“Every day an average of 100 Americans die from colorectal cancer. It is a tragedy that the majority of these lives could have been saved as colorectal cancer can largely be prevented with timely screening. Yet one out of every three at-risk adults has not taken this lifesaving step. Providing Medicare coverage of CT colonography would provide a proven screening method for individuals who either cannot, or will not have a colonoscopy,” said Eric Hargis, Public Policy Advisor for the Colon Cancer Alliance.
“Colorectal cancer is preventable — since detecting precancerous polyps can stop them from becoming cancer. Medicare coverage for virtual colonoscopy would provide access to a proven test that more seniors may use, especially since it is less invasive than an optical colonoscopy-, and requires no sedation. This screening exam can detect cancer early, allow for timely treatment, if needed and save lives,” said Carolyn Aldigé, President and Founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
Anne Carlson, Executive Director of the Colon Cancer Coalition, echoes this, “Colorectal cancer is expected to kill about 50,000 Americans this year. Catching cancer early saves lives. In order to increase screening rates among seniors, Medicare must cover the innovative, lifesaving virtual colonoscopy.”
H.R. 4632 is the companion to S. 2262 co-sponsored in the U.S. Senate by Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL).
“Colorectal cancer is almost always treatable if found early by screening and the cost to screen and prevent the disease is exponentially less than to treat cancers not found until advanced stage. Passing H.R. 4632 can help save lives and reduce screening exam costs,” said Judy Yee, MD, Chair of the American College of Radiology Colon Cancer Committee.
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