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Colorectal cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer in the U.S., but there’s a secret weapon to beat it: screening.

“We have this rare opportunity with colorectal cancer to actually prevent the cancer before it happens,” says Ann Rigdon, RN, Colorectal Screening Program Coordinator, Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center. “And that’s because most colorectal cancer starts as polyps, which can be detected through screening and removed before they have the opportunity to turn into a cancer.”

Be Advised of New Age Recommendations

As of 2018, the American Cancer Society recommends regular screening starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals. Ask your doctor when and which type of screening is right for you.

Screening is just as important as ever during the coronavirus pandemic, and screening should not be delayed. “The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable estimates that there will be 18,800 or more cases of either delayed or missed diagnoses of colorectal cancer in the U.S. due to pandemic and COVID-related screening delays or missed screenings,” Rigdon says.

Get Screened

As part of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Rigdon is answering questions about colon cancer and risk factors, helping with insurance coverage questions, and hand-delivering free fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) to qualified team members on a UVA health plan. The FIT is an annual, at-home, stool test.

In March 2020, Rigdon delivered 22 FITs to team members on the UVA health plan and had colorectal health discussions with numerous more. This year, her goal is to deliver 29 tests.

To inquire about the test or ask a question, contact crcscreening@virginia.edu.

UVA Health Plans Cover Screening

Did you know all UVA Health Plan members (Basic, Value, and Choice) have full coverage for colorectal cancer screening?

“We have an unprecedented level of coverage for colorectal cancer screening with UVA’s Aetna plans,” says Rigdon. Team members can call the number on the back of their insurance card for more information.

UVA supports four ways for covered team members to get screened:

• FIT (at-home stool test)
• Colonoscopy
• CT colonography
• Cologuard (at-home stool test)

“It just makes sense to do it,” says Ridgon, “especially if you are an employee at UVA covered by one of our health plans.”

UVA health plans recognize the American Cancer Society’s recommended screening age of 45, but individuals on other plans should check with their insurance company for the screening coverage age. 

Still Not Convinced? Hear Directly From Your Colleagues and Neighbors