Colorectal Cancer

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The science is clear. If Americans received regular screenings for colorectal cancer, thousands of deaths could be prevented each year. But, for too many Americans, the screenings either aren't fully covered by their health insurance or aren’t affordable due to high out-of-pocket costs. 

The 80% by 2018 campaign strives to pass state and federal laws that remove the barriers preventing people from getting colonoscopies and other lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings. 

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for men and women combined.

Latest Updates

July 8, 2022

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed changes to the 2023 Medicare program that, if finalized, would eliminate cost sharing for colonoscopies after a positive non-invasive screening test, and lower the minimum age of colorectal cancer screening to 45.

May 9, 2022
New York

Earlier today, ACS CAN delivered a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins asking for a vote on a critical colorectal cancer screening bill. This legislation (S906B) simply clarifies to insurers and patients alike what must be included in colorectal cancer screening coverage following recent federal and state guidance. The Assembly has passed the bill twice while the bill has languished in the Senate for two years.

April 27, 2022
Texas

Sen. Judith Zaffirini (SD-21) received the Advocacy in Action award recently, one of the most prestigious awards presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of her significant contributions to the fight against cancer in Texas, including her leadership this past session in authoring legislation that makes it more affordable for Texans to receive their lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings.

April 14, 2022
Texas

AUSTIN, TX – April 14, 2022 – Rep. John Smithee and Rep. Four Price both received the Advocacy in Action award earlier this week, one of the most prestigious awards presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of their significant contributions to the

Colorectal Cancer Resources

ACS CAN's comments in response to the calendar year (CY) 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule focused on two issues:

1. whether HHS should create a separate code for pain management activities, and

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. Yet, about 1 in 3 adults aged 50 to 75 are not getting tested as recommended. This factsheet discusses the importance of screening for colorectal cancer and what can be done to improve screening in the U.S.

 

An estimated 151,030 men and women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022 and 52,580 individuals are estimated to die from the disease. Without a continued, dedicated federal investment in colorectal cancer prevention and early detection, the U.S. could experience a reduction in screening leading to increases in completely preventable colorectal cancer cases and deaths. This factsheet discusses the importance of continued funding for the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP).