Gut check: Young-onset colorectal cancer in your state
The Prevent Cancer Foundation recently issued a report to address the growing number of colorectal cancer cases in people under 50. The report, Gut Check: YoungOnset Colorectal Cancer in Your State, is a resource for members of Congress to raise awareness of young-onset colorectal cancer cases among their constituents. The report provides information about coverage mandates for screenings and the guidelines states use to develop insurance coverage requirements. Members of Congress can use its strategies to increase access to coverage in their states. Tim Kavanagh, a comedian and auctioneer, shared his experience with young-onset colorectal cancer. He was diagnosed at age 50 with stage 2 rectal cancer after a routine colonoscopy. Mr. Kavanagh said, “I thought
I was doing the right thing by having the procedure on time, but it was already too late.”
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Had Mr. Kavanagh been able to begin screening earlier, he could have caught his cancer at an earlier stage or prevented it completely. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which determines coverage requirements for insurers under the Affordable Care Act, maintains routine screenings for those at average risk begin at age 50. But, after a consistent increase in young-onset cases since 1994, the American Cancer Society recently changed its guidelines to recommend screening at age 45 for those at average risk. The report serves as a call to action for Congress to use their influence and platforms and urge the USPSTF to lower its recommended screening age to 45, which could save thousands of lives each year. By working with Congress, we hope the USPSTF will hear our call and enable patients to access the colorectal cancer screenings they need. NOTE: Gut Check: Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer in Your State was created before the release of new draft guidelines on colorectal cancer screening from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in October 2020. At press time, the draft recommendations had not yet been finalized. The Gut Check report is currently being revised—visit www.preventcancer.org for an updated version.
