Health Net Urges Men to Be Screened for Colorectal Cancer
June 13 2014 - 1:15PM
Business Wire
June is Men’s Health Month
With June being Men’s Health Month, Health Net, Inc. is working
to educate men regarding the importance of being screened for
colorectal cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reports that colorectal cancer is the third-most common
cancer among men.
“According to the CDC, in 2010, more than 27,000 men died from
colon cancer,” said Patricia Buss, M.D., medical and health care
services operations officer for Health Net. “If we can help to
increase the number of men being screened, particularly those over
age 50, we can help to significantly reduce the death toll.”
Colon Cancer Overview
“Based on CDC statistics, colorectal cancer is the second
leading cause of cancer-related death from cancers that affect both
men and women,” said Buss. “Colorectal screenings could help
prevent at least 60 percent of the more than 50,000 deaths from
colorectal cancer each year.”
Regular colorectal cancer screenings are critical because, in
its early stages, the disease generally isn’t accompanied by
symptoms. If detected early, however, it can be treated much more
effectively.
“Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps in the colon or
rectum,” said Buss, “and, over time, some polyps can become
malignant. Not only can a screening test help find polyps that can
be removed before they become cancerous, but these tests also can
help detect colorectal cancer in its early, more treatable
stage.”
The CDC notes that a person’s risk for colorectal cancer may be
higher than average if he or she:
- has a close relative who has had
colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer;
- has inflammatory bowel disease; or
- has a genetic syndrome such as familial
adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal
cancer.
Those who are at higher risk should consult with their physician
regarding when they should have a colorectal screening.
Although early-stage colon cancer generally does not come with
symptoms, as the disease progresses, symptoms can appear,
including:
- bloody stool;
- persistent stomach pain or cramps;
and
- unexplained weight loss.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your
health care provider immediately.
Screening Guidelines
Based on CDC guidelines, men who are not at an increased risk
for colorectal cancer should have their first screening at age 50.
At age 80, men should consult their physician regarding the need
for continued screenings. There are three primary types of
screening tests:
- High-sensitivity fecal occult blood
test (FOBT) – This test involves collecting a stool sample at home
that is then analyzed at a lab;
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy – Using a
sigmoidoscope, the doctor looks for polyps or cancer in the rectum
and lower third of the colon; and
- Colonoscopy – With the assistance of a
colonoscope, the physician looks for polyps or cancer in the
rectum, as well as in the entire colon.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), if the FOBT is
the only screening being done, it should be conducted annually. The
NCI recommends a sigmoidoscopy every five years, along with FOBT
every three years. Additionally, the NCI advises a colonoscopy be
conducted every 10 years.
Medical Advice Disclaimer
The information provided is not intended as medical advice or as
a substitute for professional medical care. Always seek the advice
of your physician or other health provider for any questions you
may have regarding your medical condition and follow your health
care provider’s instructions.
About Health Net
Health Net, Inc. (NYSE: HNT) is a publicly traded managed care
organization that delivers managed health care services through
health plans and government-sponsored managed care plans. Its
mission is to help people be healthy, secure and comfortable.
Health Net provides and administers health benefits to
approximately 5.5 million individuals across the country
through group, individual, Medicare (including the Medicare
prescription drug benefit commonly referred to as “Part D”),
Medicaid, U.S. Department of Defense, including TRICARE, and
Veterans Affairs programs. Health Net also offers behavioral
health, substance abuse and employee assistance programs, managed
health care products related to prescription drugs, managed health
care product coordination for multi-region employers, and
administrative services for medical groups and self-funded benefits
programs.
For more information on Health Net, Inc., please visit Health
Net’s website at www.healthnet.com.
Health Net, Inc.Media Contact:Lori Rieger,
602-794-1415lori.rieger@healthnet.comwww.twitter.com/hnlori
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