colon cancer Archives

Getting Life Insurance with Colon Cancer

The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is higher than many people might think. In fact, approximately 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with this type of cancer in their lifetime. The good news, though, is that while a colorectal cancer diagnosis would have been considered a death sentence in the past, after decades of research, studies, and technological advances, the prospects are now much brighter for people who are diagnosed with this disease. Many of them will go on to live long and normal lives, and that means that this type of cancer is also no longer a barrier to getting life insurance. Underwriting guidelines now take into consideration the innovative cancer treatments available, so things have changed a lot for the better.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer develops when there is uncontrolled cell growth among the cells of the large intestine, or colon, where water and salt are extracted from solid waste before the waste continues through the rectum and is expelled. The growths that occur when the cells of the colon grow out of control are known as polyps; some types of polyps can turn into cancer over time.

Risk Factors & Causes

Research points to several risk factors that appear to increase the likelihood of a colon cancer diagnosis, including:

Family history
Age (around 90% of all cases of colon cancer are diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 75)
Obesity
Inactivity
Poor diet
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Other underlying health conditions, including diabetes and inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Qualifying for Life Insurance

As we mentioned earlier, a diagnosis of colon cancer does not disqualify you for a life insurance policy. If you are applying for traditional life insurance, the best thing you can do is compare all of your different options so you can find companies that offer coverage for high-risk applicants.

sign with different arrows pointing at the word possibility — *Even if you do not qualify for traditional life insurance, you have the option of a no medical exam life insurance policy that is guaranteed.*

And even if you fail to qualify for a traditional life insurance policy because of your cancer diagnosis, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great policy. There are other types of life insurance policies that don’t require a medical exam, and even some that don’t ask any questions at all regarding your health or your family’s health history. If you are worried that you will not pass a medical exam or that you will end up paying a lot for life insurance, guaranteed issue, simplified issue, or instant-approval term life insurance policies are great options for you. With these plans, you will not have to undergo a medical exam, and will not be required to provide blood work or any other tests. You cannot be turned down for these policies for any health-related reasons.

Your family has financial obligations that will not go away when you are gone; they will need your help more than ever with their expenses, and the last thing you want them to worry about is money while they are grieving. There are many great affordable life insurance options to choose from that will provide enough money for your family, for a low monthly price. The best way to find the right life insurance policy for you and your specific needs is by working with an agent who specializes in life insurance. We have provided the top life insurance companies in the nation below; each offers hassle-free assistance and the most competitive rates. Always check multiple sites to make sure you have bargaining power and know the advantages of each company. Make sure a hard time isn’t made harder by a financial burden, check life insurance rates today.

Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S. It is estimated that about 1 in 20 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetimes. This number is high in part because 1 in 3 people are not up-to-date on their colonoscopy screenings. Colonoscopy screenings are the most effective way to detect and prevent colorectal cancer. Getting regularly screened is especially important for older adults, because if you are 65 or older, you are at a greater risk of dying from colon cancer. Fortunately, Medicare covers colonoscopies at specific time intervals, based on a person’s risk for colon cancer.

doctor in blue gown holding a black tube with a light on the end of it. — *During a colonoscopy, a thin, tubed camera is inserted inside the body so that doctors can view the lining of the colon.*

What Is A Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies are safe, common procedures. According to the CDC, over 25 million colonoscopies took place in 2012. During this procedure, a thin, tubed camera is inserted inside the body so that doctors can view the lining of the colon. There are two types of colonoscopy:

Screening colonoscopy– a routine procedure performed to see how healthy the colon is and to check if there are any polyps that need to be removed.
Diagnostic colonoscopy– performed to check for irregularities because a person is having intestinal issues.

When a colonoscopy is performed, the patient will normally be put under general anesthesia.

How Much Does It Cost?

Many factors go into determining the price of a colonoscopy. This includes the location where it is done, what kind of anesthesia is used, and whether any tissue samples have to be sent to a lab for testing. The average cost of a colonoscopy is almost $4,000. If you have private insurance, the procedure will be covered after you meet your deductible. Medicare also covers colonoscopies, but how they are covered depends on whether they are considered a screening or a diagnostic procedure.

What Medicare Covers

Because a screening colonoscopy is considered a preventive service, Medicare Part B will cover it. Medicare will cover all screening costs as long as the doctor accepts Medicare assignment. This means that your doctor agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for the procedure.

Medicare will cover the cost of screening colonoscopies:

Once every 24 months (2 years) if you are at high risk of colorectal cancer because of family history or history of colon polyps or inflammatory bowel disease.
Once every 120 months (10 years) for patients who are not considered high-risk.

Your screening will be covered in full whether or not you have met your deductible.

Only the screenings themselves are covered, so if your doctor finds a polyp or takes tissue samples during the colonoscopy, then you will have to pay a portion of the bill. You might owe:

20% of the Medicare-approved amount
A copay if you’re in a hospital getting the procedure done

Medicare Supplements can help pay for the additional 20% of out-of-pocket costs if a polyp is found or if you require more than just a screening. Before scheduling your colonoscopy, contact your Medicare Supplement Plan insurer and find out just how much they will cover if a polyp removal is necessary.

A colonoscopy is an important screening test that can help catch colorectal cancer early and possibly save your life. There’s no reason not to get one done if you are over 65, because Medicare covers the cost, and a Medicare Supplement Plan can help pay for any other costs associated with getting tested. If you are looking for a Medicare Supplement Plan, we will help compare the different plan types in your area. We will help you find one that meets your health and financial needs. To get free quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent directly call 888-753-7207. No obligation. No hassle. Just free quotes.

Ways to Lower Your Risk Of Colon Cancer

Over the years, the number of people over the age of 55 with colon cancer has gone up by 3%. According to statistics from research, it is estimated that over 100,000 adults in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year. Of these numbers, there is expected a death toll of over 50,000. Colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer every year, however, if it is found early then it can be cured. What’s more crucial is to prevent it from happening by practicing ways of lowering your chances. Following a few simple steps every day can improve your health, lower your risks of colon cancer, and save your life.

Getting screened will help detect cancer and increase your chances of beating it. — *Getting screened annually will help detect cancer at an early stage,increasing your chances of getting rid of it.*

Get Screened

This method is the most important one you must do to for prevention of colon cancer. Getting screened will allow doctors to find any kind of growth or polyps so they can remove them before it turns into cancer. The purpose of these screenings is to find cancer long before signs of symptoms develop. Something so simple as going to get a screening/colonoscopy done can ultimately save your life. It is recommended by the American Cancer Society to begin testing at the age of 45. But if you worry due to issues or family history, you should consult with your doctor. Getting a head start is the key to success, the same goes for your health.

Healthy Diet

Your diet plays an essential part in your body’s health. The nutrients you put into your body are what fuel your body and give it the energy to protect it from threats. Researchers have linked eating a lot of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains with a lower risk of colon cancer. Red meat and processed meats give you a higher risk of colon cancer. Always be mindful by what you are putting into your body, because that can be a factor of what help you or hurt you.

No Smoking

Smoking is a bad habit that has many negative effects on your body. It can cause lung cancer, and increase your chances of developing and dying from colon cancer. This is especially true and serious for long-term smokers. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. If you need help quitting, seek help from your doctor or a counselor, this will increase your chances of quitting.

*Watching your weight can decrease your chances of colon cancer. Focus especially on your mid section.*

Watch Your Weight

Being overweight raises your overall risk of cancer. Research shows that many different kinds of cancer has been linked to being overweight, and obesity. Having a lot of belly fat has been linked to colon cancer. It is safe to maintain a healthy weight for your height and avoid gaining too much weight, especially around your midsection.

Exercise

There are many benefits of exercising, it will make your heart healthier, give you a mental boost, and reduce your risk of cancer. Any kind of physical activity from taking a long walk with a friend, to regular to riding a bike can lower your risk of colon cancer. Thirty minutes a day of any moderate physical activity will steer you away from cancer.

Limit Alcohol

Consuming a lot of alcohol increases your risk of colon cancer, especially among men. If you are going to have a drink, then it is important to do it in moderation. Talk with your doctor, friend, or a counselor if you have a problem and want to cut down or quit, because it is beneficial to your heart and body’s overall health.

Colon cancer develops more in men than women, and more in those 55 and older. Taking care of our body is the most reliable ways to prevent cancer. We are only given one body, so it is essential to try to keep it as healthy as we can with these small, yet powerful methods. Get screened, eat right, work out, avoid smoking, and drink in moderation. It is never too late to start, so treat your body right and it will do the same for you.