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10
Doctor insights on:
Medicare Colon Cancer Screening
1
Does medicare cover colon cancer screening?
Yes: Colonoscopy screening is covered by medicare. Find a gastroenterology office or clinic and they can verify this for you. ...Read more
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Cancer (Definition)
Cancer is a group of diseases that is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth leading to invasion of surrounding tissues that spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can begin anywhere in the body and is usually related to one or more genetic mutations that allow normal cells to become malignant by interfering with internal cellular control mechanisms, such as programmed cell death or by preventing ...Read more
2
Who needs to have a colon cancer screening?
Additionally: In addition to the above, patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis for longer than 10 years regardless of the activity of the disease should get frequent screenings every 1-2 years, regardless of their age. ...Read more
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3
Which colon cancer screening test is used?
Many options: The gold standard is colonoscopy, which is performed under sedation. Other alternatives include barium enema, ct colonography ("virtual colonoscopy"), flexible sigmoidoscopy, and/or checking for blood in bowel movements (hemoccult test). I recommend colonoscopy for all my patients at age 50 (or earlier, if they have a family history). ...Read more
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4
What kind of screening tests look for colon cancer?
'scope, X-ray, etc.: A number of different screening tests are available for colon ca. They include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, ct colonography (virtual colonoscopy), and fecal occult blood testing. The pro's and con's of each are described here: http://www.Cancer.Gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/colorectal-screening. ...Read more
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5
What are available screening tests for colon cancer?
'scopes, X-rays, etc: A number of different screening tests are available for colon ca. They include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, ct colonography (virtual colonoscopy), and fecal occult blood testing. The pro's and con's of each are described here: http://www.Cancer.Gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/colorectal-screening. ...Read more
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6
What are the different screening tests for colon cancer?
At least three: Fecal occult blood testing is meant to detect polyps and cancer. Signoidoscopy, or better yet colonoscopy is better. Colonoscopy being the gold standard. Imaging studies are gaining increasing acceptance. ...Read more
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7
What is the most recommended colon cancer screening test?
Colon cancer screens: The most recommended colon cancer screening test is the colonoscopy, starting at the age of 50 (if there is no family history of colon cancer). A colonoscopy views the inside of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using a tool called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a small camera attached to a flexible tube that can reach the length of the colon. ...Read more
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8
How do they test for colon cancer? Not screening but diagnosing.
Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy evaluates the whole colon directly and if a mass or lesion is identified, it can be removed or biopsied. If you could only have one test, that would probably be the one to choose. ...Read more
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9
How does a family history of colon cancer age for routine screening?
Important: Family history of cancer is very important information. If your family history of colon cancer is significant ( multiple family members with colon cancer especially at younger age) -then you would need to be screen for colon cancer- started approximately 10 years earlier than the age of the youngest person in the family got diagnosed with colon cancer.You also need to see a genetician if history +. ...Read more
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10
Is any one of the colon cancer screening tests better than the others?
Yes: I believe that at this time the colonoscopy is the gold standard when performed by an experienced physician and in the appropriate clinical situation. ...Read more
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Screening (Definition)
Examples are: colonoscopy for colon polyp or cancer; mammograms for breast lesions or cancer; psa a blood test that could indicate enlargement of cancerous prostate tissue; blood sugar or hemoglobin a!c for diabetes. Many think that scanning the whole body will pick up a cancer--in all likelihood, it will not. There also is no good blood test, yet, ...Read more
Medicare (Definition)
Medicare is a federal program that pays for certain health care expenses of individuals who are 65 years or older. It is divided into three parts, with Part A covering hospital bills, Part B covering doctor bills, and Part C providing the option to choose from a package of health care plans. Individuals who have Medicare ...Read more