Oral Chemotherapy Parity

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" hundred_percent_height="no" hundred_percent_height_scroll="no" align_content="stretch" flex_align_items="flex-start" flex_justify_content="flex-start" flex_wrap="wrap" hundred_percent_height_center_content="yes" equal_height_columns="no" container_tag="div" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" status="published" border_style="solid" box_shadow="no" box_shadow_blur="0" box_shadow_spread="0" gradient_start_position="0" gradient_end_position="100" gradient_type="linear" radial_direction="center center" linear_angle="180" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" enable_mobile="no" parallax_speed="0.3" background_blend_mode="none" background_slider_skip_lazy_loading="no" background_slider_loop="yes" background_slider_pause_on_hover="no" background_slider_slideshow_speed="5000" background_slider_animation="fade" background_slider_direction="up" background_slider_animation_speed="800" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" pattern_bg="none" pattern_bg_style="default" pattern_bg_opacity="100" pattern_bg_blend_mode="normal" mask_bg="none" mask_bg_style="default" mask_bg_opacity="100" mask_bg_transform="left" mask_bg_blend_mode="normal" absolute="off" absolute_devices="small,medium,large" sticky="off" sticky_devices="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_transition_offset="0" scroll_offset="0" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" filter_hue="0" filter_saturation="100" filter_brightness="100" filter_contrast="100" filter_invert="0" filter_sepia="0" filter_opacity="100" filter_blur="0" filter_hue_hover="0" filter_saturation_hover="100" filter_brightness_hover="100" filter_contrast_hover="100" filter_invert_hover="0" filter_sepia_hover="0" filter_opacity_hover="100" filter_blur_hover="0"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" align_self="auto" content_layout="column" align_content="flex-start" valign_content="flex-start" content_wrap="wrap" center_content="no" column_tag="div" target="_self" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" order_medium="0" order_small="0" hover_type="none" border_style="solid" box_shadow="no" box_shadow_blur="0" box_shadow_spread="0" background_type="single" gradient_start_position="0" gradient_end_position="100" gradient_type="linear" radial_direction="center center" linear_angle="180" lazy_load="avada" background_position="left top" background_repeat="no-repeat" background_blend_mode="none" background_slider_skip_lazy_loading="no" background_slider_loop="yes" background_slider_pause_on_hover="no" background_slider_slideshow_speed="5000" background_slider_animation="fade" background_slider_direction="up" background_slider_animation_speed="800" sticky="off" sticky_devices="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" absolute="off" filter_type="regular" filter_hover_element="self" filter_hue="0" filter_saturation="100" filter_brightness="100" filter_contrast="100" filter_invert="0" filter_sepia="0" filter_opacity="100" filter_blur="0" filter_hue_hover="0" filter_saturation_hover="100" filter_brightness_hover="100" filter_contrast_hover="100" filter_invert_hover="0" filter_sepia_hover="0" filter_opacity_hover="100" filter_blur_hover="0" transform_type="regular" transform_hover_element="self" transform_scale_x="1" transform_scale_y="1" transform_translate_x="0" transform_translate_y="0" transform_rotate="0" transform_skew_x="0" transform_skew_y="0" transform_scale_x_hover="1" transform_scale_y_hover="1" transform_translate_x_hover="0" transform_translate_y_hover="0" transform_rotate_hover="0" transform_skew_x_hover="0" transform_skew_y_hover="0" transition_duration="300" transition_easing="ease" scroll_motion_devices="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" last="true" border_position="all" first="true"][fusion_text hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"] Scientific breakthroughs have changed the way cancer is treated, and many new cancer drugs are administered orally, but health care coverage policies have not kept up with these innovations. Many health insurance plans require that cancer patients pay higher out-of-pocket costs for oral cancer medicines than those that are injected or administered intravenously. As a member of the Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care (CIACC), we are advocating for policies that ensure that colorectal cancer patients have access to the best treatments, regardless of how those treatments are administered. [fusion_button link="https://www.access2cancercare.org/" target="_blank" aria_role_button="0" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" color="custom" button_gradient_top_color_hover="var(--awb-color7)" button_gradient_top_color="var(--awb-color6)" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="var(--awb-color7)" button_gradient_bottom_color="var(--awb-color6)" linear_angle="180" accent_hover_color="var(--awb-color6)" border_hover_color="var(--awb-color6)" border_color="var(--awb-color6)" stretch="default" icon="fa-arrow-right fas" icon_position="right" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="text_slide_up" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"]learn more[/fusion_button] [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" hundred_percent_height="no" hundred_percent_height_scroll="no" align_content="stretch" flex_align_items="flex-start" flex_justify_content="flex-start" flex_wrap="wrap" hundred_percent_height_center_content="yes" equal_height_columns="no" container_tag="div" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" status="published" border_style="solid" box_shadow="no" box_shadow_blur="0" box_shadow_spread="0" gradient_start_position="0" gradient_end_position="100" gradient_type="linear" radial_direction="center center" linear_angle="180" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" enable_mobile="no" parallax_speed="0.3" background_blend_mode="none" background_slider_skip_lazy_loading="no" background_slider_loop="yes" background_slider_pause_on_hover="no" background_slider_slideshow_speed="5000" background_slider_animation="fade" background_slider_direction="up" background_slider_animation_speed="800" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" pattern_bg="none" pattern_bg_style="default" pattern_bg_opacity="100" pattern_bg_blend_mode="normal" mask_bg="none" mask_bg_style="default" mask_bg_opacity="100" mask_bg_transform="left" mask_bg_blend_mode="normal" absolute="off" absolute_devices="small,medium,large" sticky="off" sticky_devices="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_transition_offset="0" scroll_offset="0" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" filter_hue="0" filter_saturation="100" filter_brightness="100" filter_contrast="100" filter_invert="0" filter_sepia="0" filter_opacity="100" filter_blur="0" filter_hue_hover="0" filter_saturation_hover="100" filter_brightness_hover="100" filter_contrast_hover="100" filter_invert_hover="0" filter_sepia_hover="0" filter_opacity_hover="100" filter_blur_hover="0"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" align_self="auto" content_layout="column" align_content="flex-start" valign_content="flex-start" content_wrap="wrap" center_content="no" column_tag="div" target="_self" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" order_medium="0" order_small="0" hover_type="none" border_style="solid" box_shadow="no" box_shadow_blur="0" box_shadow_spread="0" background_type="single" gradient_start_position="0" gradient_end_position="100" gradient_type="linear" radial_direction="center center" linear_angle="180" lazy_load="avada" background_position="left top" background_repeat="no-repeat" background_blend_mode="none" background_slider_skip_lazy_loading="no" background_slider_loop="yes" background_slider_pause_on_hover="no" background_slider_slideshow_speed="5000" background_slider_animation="fade" background_slider_direction="up" background_slider_animation_speed="800" sticky="off" sticky_devices="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" absolute="off" filter_type="regular" filter_hover_element="self" filter_hue="0" filter_saturation="100" filter_brightness="100" filter_contrast="100" filter_invert="0" filter_sepia="0" filter_opacity="100" filter_blur="0" filter_hue_hover="0" filter_saturation_hover="100" filter_brightness_hover="100" filter_contrast_hover="100" filter_invert_hover="0" filter_sepia_hover="0" filter_opacity_hover="100" filter_blur_hover="0" transform_type="regular" transform_hover_element="self" transform_scale_x="1" transform_scale_y="1" transform_translate_x="0" transform_translate_y="0" transform_rotate="0" transform_skew_x="0" transform_skew_y="0" transform_scale_x_hover="1" transform_scale_y_hover="1" transform_translate_x_hover="0" transform_translate_y_hover="0" transform_rotate_hover="0" transform_skew_x_hover="0" transform_skew_y_hover="0" transition_duration="300" transition_easing="ease" scroll_motion_devices="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" last="true" border_position="all" first="true"][fusion_text hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"]We are working to ensure that all those affected by colorectal cancer have access to the highest quality of care. We cannot improve that we don’t measure, and we are working with our partners to develop new ways to measure and improve the quality of care and patient outcomes. Fight CRC brought together partners across the colorectal cancer space to develop the Colorectal Cancer Care Initiative (CRCCI). The CRCCI put forward a set of goals around screening, treatment initiation, biomarker and genetic testing that serve as tools for health systems and the CRC community to assess progress, identify gaps, and make meaningful improvements. [fusion_button link="https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/advocacy/colorectal-cancer-care-initiative/" target="_self" aria_role_button="0" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" color="custom" button_gradient_top_color_hover="var(--awb-color7)" button_gradient_top_color="var(--awb-color6)" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="var(--awb-color7)" button_gradient_bottom_color="var(--awb-color6)" linear_angle="180" accent_hover_color="var(--awb-color6)" border_hover_color="var(--awb-color6)" border_color="var(--awb-color6)" stretch="default" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="text_slide_up" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"]learn more[/fusion_button][/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A doctor uses a tool called a sigmoidoscope to look at the sigmoid colon (the last section of the bowel) and the rectum, removing any visible polyps. This is different from a colonoscopy because a colonoscopy allows the doctor to see the entire large intestine. Because less than half of the large intestine and all of the rectum can be seen with this method, they are often done in combination with the gFOBT or FIT to test for blood in the stool. Prior to this procedure, an enema is done to clean out the lower part of the colon and the rectum. Repeat every five years or in combination with FIT or gFOBT, If normal. Performed at outpatient surgical center or hospital. Enema is done prior to procedure. This test does not visualize the entire colon, so it is not as thorough as a traditional colonoscopy. Most people are good candidates. Discuss this option with your physician to determine if it is appropriate for you.

Stool is collected at home and sent to a lab, which looks for small amounts of blood. You will be given instructions about how to use the kit at home, which medications and foods to avoid (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAID] like ibuprofen and others) and where to send it when completed. Three stool samples are needed. This test is no longer commonly used and has been mostly replaced by FIT.

FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test)

Stool is collected at home and sent to a lab, which looks for small amounts of blood. You will be given instructions about how to use the kit at home, and where to send it when completed. There are no drug or dietary restrictions to take the test. It's recommended to obtain a test from your doctor so you use an accurate test, and so you can receive proper follow-up based on your results. One stool sample is needed. Repeat every year, if normal. An affordable option for many patients. Performed at home. No bowel prep required. Screening tests must be covered by insurance. Coverage for a follow-up colonoscopy, if needed due to a positive test result, should also be covered by insurance. It can’t detect or remove polyps. If you receive a positive test result, a follow-up colonoscopy within 90 days is required. Many average-risk people are good candidates, especially if hesitant about a colonoscopy and on a budget, but it must be performed every year. [fusion_button link="https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/facts/screening/stool-tests/" target="_self" aria_role_button="0" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" color="custom" button_gradient_top_color_hover="rgba(0,61,165,0)" button_gradient_top_color="var(--awb-color1)" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="rgba(0,61,165,0)" button_gradient_bottom_color="var(--awb-color1)" linear_angle="180" accent_color="var(--awb-custom_color_2)" stretch="default" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="text_slide_up" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"]Stool Test Pros & Cons[/fusion_button]

FIT-DNA/mt-sDNA (Cologuard)

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" hover_type="none" first="true"][fusion_text hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"] This is an at-home test that looks for abnormal sections of DNA within the stool in addition to small traces of blood. You will be given detailed instructions about how to use and return the kit at home, including where to send it when completed. Must be ordered by a clinician, most commonly a primary care clinician, although the tests can be ordered through urgent care centers, retail clinics, or independent telehealth providers. One stool sample is needed. Repeat every 3 years, if normal. Performed at home. No bowel prep required. Screening tests must be covered by insurance. Coverage for follow-up colonoscopy, if needed due to a positive test result, should also be covered by insurance. Cologuard's patient assistance program can help patients facing challenges with insurance coverage. It can help detect cancer and precancerous polyps, but can't remove them. If you receive a positive test result, a follow-up colonoscopy within 90 days is required. Many average-risk people are good candidates, especially if hesitant about a colonoscopy. [/fusion_text][fusion_button link="https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/facts/screening/stool-tests/" target="_self" aria_role_button="0" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" color="custom" button_gradient_top_color_hover="rgba(0,61,165,0)" button_gradient_top_color="var(--awb-color1)" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="rgba(0,61,165,0)" button_gradient_bottom_color="var(--awb-color1)" linear_angle="180" accent_color="var(--awb-custom_color_2)" stretch="default" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="text_slide_up" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" border_color="var(--awb-custom_color_2)"]Stool Test Pros & Cons[/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

CT Colonography/Virtual Colonoscopy

A noninvasive, advanced CT scan that produces two- and three-dimensional images of the colon and rectum. The entire colon must be cleaned out for this procedure, just like a traditional colonoscopy. If abnormalities are found, your doctor will talk to you about the appropriate diagnostic procedure moving forward. Not everyone is a candidate for CT colonography, so be sure to talk to your doctor about this colorectal cancer screening option. Should be covered by insurance, but discuss with your insurance provider before undergoing this screening exam. Requires bowel prep. Repeat every 5 years, if normal. Takes place at a hospital, clinic, or outpatient imaging center. If any abnormalities are found, a follow-up colonoscopy is required. May be a good option for people who aren’t eligible or cannot tolerate a traditional colonoscopy.

cfDNA blood-basted test (Shield)

[fusion_builder_container type="flex" hundred_percent="no" equal_height_columns="no" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" background_position="center center" background_repeat="no-repeat" fade="no" background_parallax="none" parallax_speed="0.3" video_aspect_ratio="16:9" video_loop="yes" video_mute="yes" border_style="solid"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" layout="1_1" background_position="left top" border_style="solid" border_position="all" spacing="yes" background_repeat="no-repeat" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" center_content="no" last="true" hover_type="none" first="true" background_blend_mode="overlay"][fusion_text hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"]In 2024, the FDA granted approval to the Shield test by Guardant , a cfDNA blood-based test. Using a blood draw, the test looks for cancer and pre-cancerous cells. Blood tests are highly effective at detecting colorectal cancer and have similar rates to other non-invasive tests for colorectal cancer screening. This means these tests have a high percentage of correctly identifying those who do not have colorectal cancer. Blood tests are not as effective at identifying pre-cancerous polyps compared to many of the stool-based tests like FIT or mt-sDNA, or colonoscopy. Many medical professionals are advising patients to understand the blood test is strong in early detection of cancer, but not cancer prevention. Colorectal cancer is a highly preventable cancer, as pre-cancerous polyps can be removed before cancer grows. A simple blood draw Needs repeated every 1-3 years If you receive a positive result, a follow-up colonoscopy is necessary. May not be covered by insurance since it's not yet included in screening guidelines. It is best to call your insurance provider to determine screening tests that are and are not covered, and to work with your doctor on the best screening plan for you.[/fusion_text][fusion_button link="https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/facts/screening/blood-tests/" target="_self" aria_role_button="0" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" color="custom" button_gradient_top_color_hover="rgba(0,61,165,0)" button_gradient_top_color="var(--awb-color1)" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="rgba(0,61,165,0)" button_gradient_bottom_color="var(--awb-color1)" linear_angle="180" accent_hover_color="var(--awb-color1)" accent_color="var(--awb-custom_color_2)" border_color="var(--awb-color1)" stretch="default" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="text_slide_up" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"]Blood Test Pros & Cons[/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

A unique type of screening that involves swallowing a vitamin-size pill that contains a wireless camera. A capsule colonoscopy is different in that it is able to image the entire digestive tract—from mouth to rectum. This includes imaging areas that are not normally seen by a traditional colonoscopy, such as the small intestine. The capsule will be given to you at your physician’s office. After swallowing it, you are free to go home. You will either need to return to your physician’s office to return the external recording equipment, or you may need to retrieve the capsule from your stool and return it, depending on which specific capsule you were given. This is generally a low-risk screening option, but there is a possibility that the capsule can become stuck and must be retrieved surgically. Repeat every five years, if normal, Takes place at a physicians office and at home. Costs vary by insurance, but screening tests must typically be covered. A capsule colonoscopy is typically only an option for individuals who cannot or will not tolerate a traditional colonoscopy. Discuss this option with your physician if you are interested. If polyps or abnormalities are found, a follow-up colonoscopy is required.

Colonoscopy has often been considered the “gold standard” for colorectal cancer screening because it can identify polyps and remove them during the same procedure. Repeated every 10 years, if normal. Performed at an outpatient surgical center or hospital. Bowel prep required. If you’re age 45 or older and you’re getting screened for prevention, your screening should be covered 100% and come at no cost to you. You won’t have to pay any out-of-pocket costs for it. Insurance should also cover the cost of polyp removal during the procedure if you have commercial insurance. Complications are rare but can include bleeding, infection, and bowel-wall injury. Most people are good candidates. This test is among the best ways to find and remove polyps early. Colonoscopy is the only screening option if you’re experiencing symptoms or if you are high or hereditary risk for colorectal cancer. If a non-invasive test is positive, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy within 90 days. [fusion_button link="https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/facts/screening/colonoscopy/" target="_self" aria_role_button="0" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" color="custom" button_gradient_top_color_hover="rgba(0,61,165,0)" button_gradient_top_color="var(--awb-color1)" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="rgba(0,61,165,0)" button_gradient_bottom_color="var(--awb-color1)" linear_angle="180" accent_color="var(--awb-custom_color_2)" stretch="default" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="text_slide_up" animation_direction="left" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0"]Colonoscopy 101[/fusion_button]