Why Is a Colonoscopy Encouraged by Insurance Companies?

Colorectal, or colon, cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., claiming more than 53,000 lives in 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control. About 50 to 60 percent of these deaths could be prevented if all men and women age 50 and over were screened routinely.

Colonoscopies Effective in Screening Cancer

• Colonoscopies are an effective means of detecting colon cancer at its early, most treatable stages. While saving lives it also saves health care expenditures as it prevents the need for more expensive, aggressive medical treatment.

Not Being Screened

• Despite the benefits of colonoscopies and other screening measures, the CDC reports about 41.8 million average-risk people aged 50 or older have not been screened. Many do not get screened because of the cost of colonoscopies.

More States Requiring Coverage

• More insurance companies are now covering the procedure and more states are requiring insurance companies to provide coverage. The American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network stated in March 2010 that 22 states and the District of Columbia require coverage of colonoscopies and other accepted screening methods.