To the editor:
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the country. This year alone, an estimated 137,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and nearly 50,000 will die from the disease. Compounding the tragedy is the fact that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
Half of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented each year if every individual over the age of 50 received recommended colon cancer screening. Unfortunately, many people are deterred from getting screened by co-pays and other patient costs. The new health care law waives co-pays for people with private insurance, but a loophole that still exists leaves seniors unfairly exposed. Currently, Medicare recipients aren’t ensured the same protections as individuals on private plans, and if a polyp is discovered and removed during their routine colonoscopy, they could wake up to a substantial bill.
Recently, I traveled to Washington, D.C., to ask Sen. Bruce Poliquin to support legislation that would remove this barrier faced by Medicare recipients. Colon cancer is preventable. Our lawmakers have a responsibility to make getting a colonoscopy just as easy for seniors as it is for others. In doing so, they could potentially save thousands of lives, reduce suffering and reduce cancer costs in Medicare.
I thank Sen. Susan Collins for her support, and hope that other lawmakers will follow her example and endorse this lifesaving bill. I know our conversation made a difference in the halls of Congress, and I encourage you to add your voice. Visit www.acscan.org to be connected to people like me in your community.
