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
colon 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.
“This partnership illustrates
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
of Florida’s commitment to
the health and wellness of its
members,” says Michael
Kasper, M.D., chairman of the
board and president, American
Cancer Society’s Florida Division.
“Screening saves lives.
It can prevent colon cancer
altogether by identifying
precancerous growths, and it
can detect cancer at its earliest,
most treatable stages.”
You are covered for a variety
of colorectal screening tests.
For a screening colonoscopy,
there is no minimum age.
All other colorectal screening
tests are covered if you
are age 50 or older:
- Fecal occult blood test—
fully covered once every
12 months
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy—
covered once every 48 months
- Screening colonoscopy—
covered once every 24 months
(if you’re at high risk); once
every 10 years, but not within
48 months of a screening
sigmoidoscopy (if you’re not
at high risk)
- Barium enema— your doctor
can decide to use this test
instead of a flexible sigmoidoscopy
or colonoscopy;
this test is covered every
24 months if you are at high
risk for colorectal cancer
and every 48 months if you’re
not at high risk
You don’t have to become a
statistic. We urge you to visit
your doctor to discuss appropriate
colorectal screenings
NOW. Don’t be embarrassed—
it could save your life.
Want more information on
colon cancer and screenings?
For your convenience, we’ve
posted a link to the American
Cancer Society on our website’s
home page.
www.bcbsfl.com
