NO ONE SHOULD DIE FROM COLON CANCER!!

MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH





Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and in women. More than 140,000 Americans are diagnosed and more than 50,000 die from the disease each year. Colorectal cancer affects all racial and ethnic groups and affects both genders equally. It is most often found in people aged 50 years or older, and the risk for developing this cancer increases with age.



To help combat this disease, Medicare provides coverage for screening and the early detection of colorectal cancer. All Medicare beneficiaries aged 50 and older are covered; however, when a beneficiary is at high risk, there is no minimum age required to receive a screening colonoscopy (or a barium enema rendered as an alternative). Medicare defines high risk of developing colorectal cancer as someone who has one or more of the following risk factors:

 A close relative (sibling, parent, or child) who has had colorectal cancer or an adenomatous polyp

 Family history of familial adenomatous polyposis

 Family history of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer

 Personal history of adenomatous polyps

 Personal history of colorectal cancer

 Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis

 Personal history of breast or uterine cancer



Medicare pays for the following colorectal cancer screening services:

 Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

 Colonoscopy

 Barium Enema (as an alternative to a covered screening colonoscopy)



What Can You Do?

Be proactive in YOUR care!! About nine out of every 10 people whose colorectal cancer is found early and treated are still alive five years later. I encourage you to understand the importance of early detection. Take full advantage of colorectal cancer screenings covered by Medicare, as appropriate. You can help save lives! Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable.



More Information: Please call 813-633-0081 today to find out how you can save your life and your loved ones.

§ www.Absolutesurg.com

§ MLN Cancer Screenings Brochure

§ MLN Quick Reference Information: Medicare Preventive Services

§ National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable

§ National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month website





Craig Amshel, M.D.

(813) 633-0081

www.absolutesurg.com

http://twitter.com/ColoRectal_Man