Colon Screening: 5 Things You Need to Know

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Here's my story. I'm 44 with a family history of colon cancer. Both my mother and my aunt (her sister) had it. Both in their late 40's.
So I should get screened now. Problem is, my insurance company won't pay for it without a referral if I'm under the age of 50. I don't get it. I know my risk factors. I'm not going to get this done because I like it. Why treat me differently than a 50 year old?
So I called my pcp. They didn't return my call so I had to call back. They insist on a full physical before he will grant the referral to me. So why does a 50 year old NOT need a full physical ahead of time but a 44 year old does? Adding to this, I had to undergo a health assessment at work a couple of weeks back. Full blood work, blood pressure, etc. This isn't good enough for my doctor. Seems to me that he's mining for business.
I changed pcp just now and will have to go in for a quick checkup only to this doctor. Then I can get this ridiculous referral. More time off work, more copays, etc. Seems that the system is stacked against us. More visits, more copays, more office visits to pay for, etc.

scott of OH 10:41AM September 30, 2010

could you send me all the things i need to know for a report at school so that i can get an a+++++++ haha well you havemy email so send me the steps thanks my name is josh hahahaha so yeah will you send me the thinghs i need to know about colan cancer that would help alot thank you and have a good day.

josh of WA 3:12PM December 10, 2009

These comments above were great to read. My husband is in need of a free colonoscopy in the State of Maryland. The PAC State of Maryland Insurance using (United Healthcare) for people living off of the state, since they are unemployed, or don't have insurance, or qualify for insurance through Social Services, does not cover anything. My husband had colon cancer back in 2004, and Social Services paid for the operation, and the treatments. Now, in 2008, he can't even get a follow up colonoscopy to make sure that he doesn't have cancer again. It is unfair. He worked hard and paid taxes for over 35+ years. He should qualify to still have insurance through Social Services. If it weren't for the fact that our daughter was not 21 yet, at the time he got colon cancer, he would surely be another fatality of colon cancer victims. The system should be changed so that all people, young and old, should be able to get medical care, no matter what their family circumstances are. The families with babies (under 21), continue to have babies so that they can qualify for Social Services health assistance, cash assistance, food stamps, housing, education, etc. The parents barely worked a day or year in their life, to give something into the system for their retirement, and to help others that are retired or retiring. Wake up America, we all need to get on the pharmacutical industry and the doctors that are charging a lot to keep one alive. Those people have insurance and most, are retired, and live on a fixed income. Most of their paychecks are spent on prescriptions. I had a hernia disc injury last year, and I suffered for 10 months straight (24-7). PAC wouldn't pay for an operation, nor would they pay for a shot to my back to relax the muscle. I thank God that with the 21 day steroid pills, the hot tub, (for free where my daughter works), and walking, the disc settled out, and I was myself once again. Now, my husband needs his colonoscopy, and I need a
mammogram to complete my physical. It is a strain just to find a site on line for free colonoscopy and mammograms. President Obama talked last night (7/22/09) about the change in our health system. What I want, and others like me want, won't happen, because money is involved, and too many politicians are in their own world, trying to obtain money. Just like when a person is placed in jail, The President makes a little money, and so do some of the politicians. The same goes for the health industry. We should make life easier for citizens, just as in Canada, and in a lot of European countries, as well as some asian countries. Maybe, we ought to get more doctors to start using homeopathic medicines, chropractic, and acupunture, at a cost that everyone can afford. A lot of pharmacutical pills don't work on their patients anyway. Why not try something different, that is guaranteed to work. Oh no, that is too right, and the poli's won't make any money. That is what the U.S.A. is about, and that is sad. Thank you.

A Smith of MD 4:10PM July 23, 2009

These comments above were great to read. My husband is in need of a free colonoscopy in the State of Maryland. The PAC State of Maryland Insurance using (United Healthcare) for people living off of the state, since they are unemployed, or don't have insurance, or qualify for insurance through Social Services, does not cover anything. My husband had colon cancer back in 2004, and Social Services paid for the operation, and the treatments. Now, in 2008, he can't even get a follow up colonoscopy to make sure that he doesn't have cancer again. It is unfair. He worked hard and paid taxes for over 35+ years. He should qualify to still have insurance through Social Services. If it weren't for the fact that our daughter was not 21 yet, at the time he got colon cancer, he would surely be another fatality of colon cancer victims. The system should be changed so that all people, young and old, should be able to get medical care, no matter what their family circumstances are. The families with babies (under 21), continue to have babies so that they can qualify for Social Services health assistance, cash assistance, food stamps, housing, education, etc. The parents barely worked a day or year in their life, to give something into the system for their retirement, and to help others that are retired or retiring. Wake up America, we all need to get on the pharmacutical industry and the doctors that are charging a lot to keep one alive. Those people have insurance and most, are retired, and live on a fixed income. Most of their paychecks are spent on prescriptions. I had a hernia disc injury last year, and I suffered for 10 months straight (24-7). PAC wouldn't pay for an operation, nor would they pay for a shot to my back to relax the muscle. I thank God that with the 21 day steroid pills, the hot tub, (for free where my daughter works), and walking, the disc settled out, and I was myself once again. Now, my husband needs his colonoscopy, and I need a
mammogram to complete my physical. It is a strain just to find a site on line for free colonoscopy and mammograms. President Obama talked last night (7/22/09) about the change in our health system. What I want, and others like me want, won't happen, because money is involved, and too many politicians are in their own world, trying to obtain money. Just like when a person is placed in jail, The President makes a little money, and so do some of the politicians. The same goes for the health industry. We should make life easier for citizens, just as in Canada, and in a lot of European countries, as well as some asian countries. Maybe, we ought to get more doctors to start using homeopathic medicines, chropractic, and acupunture, at a cost that everyone can afford. A lot of pharmacutical pills don't work on their patients anyway. Why not try something different, that is guaranteed to work. Oh no, that is too right, and the poli's won't make any money. That is what the U.S.A. is about, and that is sad. Thank you.

of MD 4:05PM July 23, 2009

My grandson is in need of a top pediatric gastroenterologist. He is 3 and not growing properly. He refuses to eat and cries a lot. We have come to the end of the rope with his present doctor. He has not improved. His hemoglobin is 7. Help

Lynda Lockhart of FL 9:12PM July 19, 2009

Any Organization or news source that says to wait until 50 yrs old for a colonoscopy should be held accountable.
I know no less than 20 persons with stage 4 colon cancer who are from 30 to 45 years old.
That is too many to assume a genetic slant.
Perhaps Insurance companies are responsible for this tragic and flawed advice.

Richard Goldklang of NY 9:36PM July 16, 2009

Homeda,
The kidney problem related to phospho-soda bowel cleansing. Avoid those and your kidneys will be fine.

PDG of CO 9:43PM June 17, 2009

Get that colonoscopy! A very dear friend of mine ignored his stomach cramps for years until one day his colon stopped working. He rushed himself to the hospital and withing hours was rushed into emergency surgery to remove 3/4 of his colon. A malignant tumor the size of a lemon on one side and the other side of his colon was 3 times larger than it should be... with a tear in the lining.
After weeks in the hospital he back home and still recovering. Sure made me a believer in Colonoscopies!

Karen Wilson of SC 12:04PM May 19, 2009

I have been scheduled for a colonoscopy twice, but each time I cancelled the appointment because of fear of kidney failure.
I saw some lawyers advertising for potential clients who might have had kidney failures due to the side effects of the stool purging concortion-- the lexative. HOW TRUE IS THIS ?
Also, is it possible for the scope to be pushed too far into the rectum to affect the kidney ?
PLEASE, RESPOND

Homeda of NY 12:22PM May 10, 2009

I was going to have a colonoscopy in 6 months, but got laid off.
My company went under, so no COBRA coverage. I have crappy high deductible insurance that won't cover the $3500.
It's a nice thought to encourage people to get screening, but be aware more U.S. citizens like me can't afford this type of screening. If Congress gave us all the coverage they have, we would be a much healthier nation. Oh Well-maybe I'll move to France and get the health care I need.

Paul of WA 3:45AM March 23, 2009