Colorectal Cancer Screening recommendations are included in WHA’s Preventive Health Guidelines (PHGs) and are available at mywha.org/PHGs.
Colorectal cancer screening preventive services are covered with no share of cost; however, procedures to treat any abnormalities may require a copayment, even if performed at the same time as the screening. Consult the member’s Copayment Summary for more information.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
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Age 40 to 49 |
Age 50 to 65+ |
|---|---|
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If patient is high risk* |
FOBT annually and/or sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or colonoscopy every 10 years until age 75 |
| *High risk factors include but are not limited to: history of previous polyps or colorectal cancer for either the patient or close family, ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn’s disease, African Americans or Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews). |
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Test Name |
Measurement Period |
|---|---|
|
CT Colonography |
Measurement year (2018) or the four years prior to the reporting year (2016-2019) |
|
FIT-DNA (Cologuard®) |
Measurement year (2018) or the two years prior to the reporting year (2016-2019) |
Colorectal Cancer Screening Reminders to WHA Members
Some of your patients may have received colorectal cancer screening reminders from WHA if our records indicate the member has not completed screening. This may prompt some questions from your patients regarding the need and types of screening methods available.
Reducing Risk of Colorectal Cancer
While some studies show increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer, evidence is less clear about other ways to prevent it. There is no consensus on the role of diet in preventing colorectal cancer.
Practice-based Interventions to Empower Patients
Doctors, nurses and other health care providers can take actions to empower patients to take charge of their health with these interventions:
- Develop systems to remind patients when they are due for regular screening.
- Use “Patient Navigators” or “Health Coaches” for those at high risk and/or needing additional support to ensure preventive screenings are done.
- Offer patients multiple screening options recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, including home FIT Testing kits.
Note: The preferred screening test for colon cancer remains a colonoscopy as screening and diagnostic follow-up can be performed during the same examination.
Resources Available from the CDC
This continuing education (CME) activity provides guidance and tools for clinicians on the optimal ways to implement screening for colorectal cancer to optimize quality and ensure that patients receive maximum benefit. There are two versions of this course: one for primary care providers and one for clinicians who perform colonoscopy, nurses. Available for CME/CNE through March 24, 2022 To view this continuing education visit: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/quality/index.htm
Last review date: November 8, 2021