expressed frustration at not being able to access this lifesaving screening.
Dr. Bethany Malone, a colon and rectal surgeon in Fort Worth explained that she hates having to see patients advocate for themselves to get tested. “A lot of the patients who have no family history I’ve seen, they’ve really had to advocate for themselves, which I hate as a healthcare provider. I feel like our job should be to help our patients figure things out,” Malone told CNN.
Other barriers include pricing, as many insurance companies will not cover a colonoscopy, which can cost up to $1400 out of pocket. “If insurance companies could cover a bigger chunk of that, then more people who have indications for a colonoscopy would actually get them,” Malone explained.
So what can you do?
Apart from advocating for yourself, you can watch out for colon cancer symptoms. A change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, ongoing discomfort in the belly area, or loss of weight without trying are all signs of potential colon cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, regardless of your age, you should try to get screened.