Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
has been working with the American
Cancer Society on a campaign to
raise awareness of the need for
everyone over age 50 to be tested for
colorectal cancer. It’s estimated that
more than 148,000 new cases will
be diagnosed in the United States
this year, with 9,900 new cases in
Florida—and more than 3,700 men
and women in the state will die of
the disease this year.
In addition to communicating with
the general population about the
importance of colorectal screening,
the joint collaborative effort has
targeted physicians and other health
care providers with educational
brochures, seminars and free online
continuing medical education (CME)
programs.
“Screening saves lives,” said Michael
Kasper, M.D., chairman of the board
and president, American Cancer
Society’s Florida Division. “It can
prevent colon cancer altogether by
identifying precancerous growths,
and it can detect cancer at its earliest,
most treatable stages.”
There are a variety of colorectal
screening tests:
- Fecal occult blood test
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Screening colonoscopy
- Barium enema
If you are over age 50 and have not
had a screening test for colon cancer,
we urge you to visit your doctor to
discuss scheduling one. Your doctor
will determine which test is best for
you based on your age, medical and
family history, and any symptoms you
may be experiencing. Check your
benefits handbook for information
about coverage under your plan.
Want more information on colon
cancer and colorectal screenings?
For your convenience, we’ve posted a
link to the American Cancer Society
on our website’s home page.
www.bcbsfl.com
