Share this post

Guest Blog: ConnectiCare


The key to fighting colon cancer is prevention and early detection. Learn what to look for and why you should talk to your doctor immediately if you have symptoms.

Know the risk factors

There are two types of risk factors for colon cancer: ones you can control and ones you can’t.

Some risk factors are directly linked to lifestyle. These include being overweight or obese, not being physically active, having a diet high in red and processed meats, smoking, and heavy alcohol use. By making some changes, you can lower your risk of colon cancer.

Other risk factors may be out of your control, but you need to know about them. Those include being older (especially over 50), having a family history having a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or having type 2 diabetes.

Race and ethnicity are also important factors. African Americans and Jewish people of Eastern European descent (known as Ashkenazi Jews) have the highest risk for colorectal cancer.

A rise in younger adults

There has been a 51% increase in colon cancer for people under 50 since 1994. The number of new cases seems to increase 2% each year in this age group, and death rates are also rising despite increased screenings.

Researchers are unsure about what is driving the trend. But experts agree: It’s important to contact your doctor right away if you experience symptoms like blood in your stool, bleeding from your rectum, or abdominal cramping. By having these important conversations with your doctor at the first sign of concern, you have the best chance of catching an issue earlier, when it can be more easily treated.

Screening options besides a colonoscopy

Colonoscopy used to be the only reliable screening choice. Today there are several colon cancer screening options that don’t include lengthy prep or require sedation and are less invasive. Those include a process called colonography; at-home tests, including Cologuard®*; and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Colon cancer screening is considered preventive care and most preventive screenings for colon cancer are 100% covered.** Talk to your doctor to see which method they recommend based on your health history. The most important thing is to get tested. It may save your life.

Some good news

With more screenings and better treatment, the death rate for colon cancer is less than half of what it was in 1970. And there are 1 million colorectal cancer survivors in the U.S. today.

Still, it’s the second leading cause of cancer deaths among adults. That’s why it’s so important to get screened and talk to your doctor if you have symptoms.

Be sure to ask your doctor about any recommended preventive care, including a colon cancer screening and annual physical. Need a doctor? ConnectiCare members can use our “Find a doctor” tool or call Member Services at 1-800-251-7722 (TTY: 711), available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.


Please see your plan documents for coverage details, exclusions, and limitations.

*COLOGUARD® is a registered trademark of Exact Sciences in the U.S. and other countries.

** Colorectal cancer screenings, using fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or radiological imaging, are covered in accordance with the recommendations established by the American Cancer Society. “100% covered” preventive care means that you will not have a copay or have to pay money toward your deductible or coinsurance for the services. Sometimes a preventive care visit leads to other medical care or tests, even at the same appointment. You should check with your doctor or doctor’s staff during your visit to see if there are services you may be billed for. ConnectiCare Medicare members: Colonography (CTC) is not considered preventive care, so there may be a cost to you. 

Related Post

APRIL 28, 2024

The Importance of...

Presented by Comcast Business Small business owners know better than anyone the...

APRIL 25, 2022

Doing for Others Does You

Extra time on your hands? Do some good with it! Share your skills and passions with...

FEBRUARY 14, 2022

Connecticut Sun: Play Big,...

As the one major professional sports team in Connecticut, we want to be sure that we...