|
Dr Fusco Speaks To PA Legislature
Dr. Robert Fusco, Medical Director of Three Rivers Endoscopy Center, was recently invited to testify before the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee which was televised on the PCN cable network. He testified before the Committee on July 14, 2004 about the need for better insurance coverage for prevention of colon cancer in Pennsylvania.
Summary of Dr. Fusco's Testimony
According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, colon cancer has become the number two cancer killer in this country, second only to lung cancer. It is now the most common cancer killer in non-smokers. About 1 in 17 Americans will have to face this diagnosis in their lifetime. This year in Pennsylvania alone, we can expect over 8600 new cases and 3300 deaths. Nationally, it is estimated that 146,940 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed with 56,730 deaths.
Fortunately, there is also much good news about colon cancer. This is because of all the cancers, colon cancer is also one of the most preventable. This has been studied thoroughly and there is no dispute that screening exams can actually prevent colon cancer and save lives. The preferred method has become a colonoscopy exam every 10 years. This exam has the highest accuracy, allows the detection and immediate removal of most polyps and need not be repeated for 10 years if normal.
The American Cancer Society recommends screening exams for those over 50 and even earlier for those considered to be high risk. As of July 2002, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force now "strongly recommends" screening for those over 50. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson has urged all adults over 50 to get tested.
Screening works, but the sad fact is that the majority of adult Pennsylvanians are not getting these lifesaving exams. It has taken decades of public education, but the barriers of ignorance, fear, and embarrassment have largely been overcome. Most patients and family physicians have come to accept screening as part of routine maintenance after age 50.
Only one barrier remains - reliable insurance coverage. Screening colonoscopy became a covered service July 2001 for those on Medicare, but in Pennsylvania there is no mandated coverage for those individuals between ages 50 and 65. Each commercial carrier and each policy is different. Some provide coverage and some do not. That is a serious gap that needs addressed.
Other states have mandated coverage. As of May 2004, 17 states and the District of Columbia have now passed laws that address insurance coverage of colon cancer screening:
California, Connecticut, Delaware,
Georgia, Illinois, Indiana,
Maryland, Missouri, Nevada,
New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island,
Tennessee, Texas, Virginia,
Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Dr. Fusco's message was that colon cancer is a common and deadly disease, but that screening can prevent most colon cancers and is cost effective. Passing a law that requires coverage in Pennsylvania would remove the final barrier and save lives.
|
