BCBSRI supports national colorectal cancer screening initiative, 80% by 2018

THE NATIONAL Colorectal Cancer Roundtable has launched an initiative to have 80 percent of adults 50 and older be screened regularly for colorectal cancer by 2018, and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is on board.
THE NATIONAL Colorectal Cancer Roundtable has launched an initiative to have 80 percent of adults 50 and older be screened regularly for colorectal cancer by 2018, and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is on board.

PROVIDENCE – The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable has launched an initiative to have 80 percent of adults 50 and older be screened regularly for colorectal cancer by 2018, and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is on board.

BCBSRI has signed NCCRT’s pledge, acknowledging colorectal cancer is a major public health problem.

“We have found that many adults 50 and older aren’t getting tested because they don’t believe they are at risk, don’t understand that there are testing options or don’t think they can afford it,” Dr. Katherine Dallow, vice president of clinical affairs and quality at BCBSRI, said in a statement. “Blue Cross signed the 80 percent by 2018 pledge to help raise awareness that there are several screening options available – even take home options. Colorectal cancer in its early stages usually has no symptoms, so everyone 50 and older should get tested. It could save your life.”

According to information from BCBSRI, the majority of cases of colorectal cancer occur in people age 50 and older.

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Colorectal cancer incidence rates have fallen 30 percent nationally over the last 10 years among those 50 and older, but the disease is still the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

Through proper colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths, known as “polyps,” in the colon, before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer altogether.

BCBSRI members who receive routine, preventive colorectal cancer screenings generally pay no cost share, including polyp removal and facility fees. This includes alternative at-home stool tests as well.

The 80 percent by 2018 initiative consists of health care providers, health systems, communities, businesses, community health centers, government, nonprofit organizations and patient advocacy groups, and is led by the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If the participating organizations can achieve the nationwide goal of 80% by 2018, approximately 277,000 cases and 203,000 colorectal cancer deaths would be prevented by 2030, according to a news release from BCBSRI.

Any BCBSRI members with questions about preventive colorectal screening can call the benefits department at (401) 459-5000 or toll-free at 1 (800) 639-2227.

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