People are affected by cancer daily, and insurance companies set their guidelines based on recommendations and guidance from outside groups. They set guidelines based on what they know thus far. What they need to know is that while it helped when the colon cancer screening age was lowered to 45, it still didn’t capture a population of people. 

I had my first colonoscopy at 25 and colon polyps were found. I had a follow up 3 years later because of personal history of colon polyps, and more polyps were found. Then I had another follow up 5 years later for screening because of the personal history of colon polyps, at age 34, and no polyps, but I had to return 5 years later (recently in March 2023) for another screening and thankfully no  polyps, but I go back in 5 years, and at that time, I will be 45 which is the current low age approved for colon cancer screening to be covered under wellness.  

My health record for these colonoscopy procedures would support me being “high risk”, but the set back is my age. Detecting cancer at its earliest is vital, but not everyone can afford these procedures if insurance will not pay. If a person fits “high risk” guidelines to be covered under wellness at 45, then it should be a big red flag for when the younger population (younger than 45) fits the same definition of “high risk”. 

Healthcare professionals only know what they know, so if we don’t speak up, the issue never comes to the surface and we are all in need of fair medical treatment and not be discounted because of age. 

I encourage all to sign. If you personally have had or been affected by colon polyps, colon cancer, or know someone who has passed away from colon cancer younger than 45, please sign!

 Meanwhile, please let the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) know how you feel.

One voice may not be heard, but if the choir sings then maybe someone will listen!