Colorectal cancer screenings can save your life

Get a colorectal cancer screening at no extra cost to you. Learn more about life-saving screening options.

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Have you been putting off your colorectal cancer screening? It may not be the top of your to-do list, but regular screening tests can save lives. Colorectal cancer is the second-most-common cancer in the U.S. – but it’s also one of the most preventable. A screening can find polyps or signs you might have them. Polyps are precancerous growths that a doctor can remove before they turn into cancer.

Here’s what you need to know.

Start screening at age 45
Not sure if you’re due for a test? Ask your doctor. You can also log in to your account and check your health reminders to see if you need to be checked. 

Preventive screening is at no cost to you
Your Blue Shield Medicare plan covers the cost of testing as a preventive service.

You’ve got options
There are different screening tests for colorectal cancer, from a simple stool test at home to a colonoscopy. You and your doctor should discuss which test is best for you.

  FIT (fecal immuno-chemical test) Stool DNA (Cologuard test) Colonoscopy
How often you need it
Every year
 1 to 3 years Every 10 years
Benefits
There’s no prep, and you can do the test at home.
 There’s no prep, and you can do the test at home.

If your doctor finds a sign of cancer, they can remove it right there.

Need help getting a colorectal cancer screening test? Call Customer Service. They can help you find appointments and get care.

 

 

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*Free digital copy with no obligation to enroll.

† Blue Shield Medicare Advisers are available April 1 through September 30: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays and October 1 through March 31: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

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California Physician’s Service DBA Blue Shield of California is an independent member of the Blue Shield Association.

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For Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Plans: Blue Shield of California is an HMO, HMO D-SNP, PPO and a PDP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the California State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in Blue Shield of California depends on contract renewal.

 
 
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