There is great news for those worried about colon cancer. Physicians understand that colon cancer screening conserves lives. Yet an approximated 148,000 Americans, both females and males, are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and every year around 55,000 will die-the nation's second deadliest cancer. Yet, it's believed most of these deaths could be prevented through appropriate screening.

Nevertheless, professionals from the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) warn that too couple of Americans are getting evaluated. Colorectal screening rates remain really low, even though Medicare and numerous personal strategies pay for screening tests.

In spite of increasing public awareness of colon cancer screening tests through the efforts of Katie Couric and others, https://healtheri.com many individuals continue to deal with obstacles to screening. Even Medicare recipients, for whom occurrence and death from the illness are highest, encounter problems with access to screening colonoscopy.

Congress Can Assist

" Pending legislation in the U.S. Congress, such as the Colon Cancer Screen for Life Act (S. 1010/ H.R. 1632), guarantees to remove Medicare's barriers to screening," states ACG President Dr. Jack A. DiPalma of Mobile, Alabama. "But only one little enhancement, the waiver of the Medicare deductible, was approved for 2006, so much stays to be done."

Research study shows that colon cancer occurs from precancerous developments or polyps that grow in the colon. When identified early, these growths or polyps can be gotten rid of, in fact preventing the development of colon cancer.

"With improved usage of colon cancer screening, we can conserve lives," includes Dr. DiPalma.

The College presently suggests colonoscopy every ten years starting at age 50 for average-risk people as the favored screening technique to prevent colon cancer.

For patients with higher risk elements such as a family history of colon cancer or a previous personal history of polyps, and for African Americans, ACG advises previously and/or more regular screening with colonoscopy.