MARCH 27, 2006 -- The number of states that require insurance companies to cover colorectal preventive screening according to the "best clinical guidelines" has grown to 15, while five states have more limited provisions for colorectal cancer screening, according to an analysis compiled by colorectal cancer groups.
While three states encourage insurance companies to provide coverage, they do not require it; 28 states do not address the issue, according to the 2006 Colorectal Cancer Legislation Report Card.
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States, causing more than 55,000 deaths each year, even though it is one of the most preventable cancers with a higher than 90 percent cure rate through early detection, the groups said in a news release.
More extensive screening for colorectal cancer would help reduce the $6.5 billion spent annually to treat the disease, said the groups, which include the American Gastroenterological Association, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Cancer Society, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation.
Screening, such as colonoscopy, is considered critical in reducing the death rate from colorectal cancer because the disease grows slowly and can be prevented or cured in most cases if directed in the early stages.
In the report card, "A" grades went to states whose coverage laws include reference to the screening guidelines developed jointly by the American Cancer Society, the American Gastroenterological Association, the American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
States that received "B" grades require coverage but do not mandate it follow the professional guidelines, while states that received "C" grades have legislation that addresses preventive cancer screening, but the legislation is vague and does not specify the types of screening that are covered, the groups said.