March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

MSU Employees — Don’t Fall Behind!

Colorectal cancer remains the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. The encouraging news is that when detected early, it is highly treatable — with survival rates around 90% when caught in early stages.

Benchmarking data continues to show that many Missouri State University employees are not completing recommended preventive screenings. March, recognized nationally as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, is an important reminder to prioritize this critical preventive care.

Who Should Be Screened?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends colorectal cancer screening for adults ages 45 to 75.

If you are 45 or older and have not completed a screening, now is the time to schedule one.

Screening Options Available

There are multiple effective screening methods:

• Colonoscopy
  • A colonoscopy is the most comprehensive screening option. It allows physicians to detect and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure, preventing cancer before it develops.
  • Mercy provides colonoscopy services through its gastroenterology specialists. Learn more here.
• Stool-Based Testing (At-Home Option)
  • Stool-based testing, such as Cologuard®, offers a convenient, non-invasive screening option that can be completed at home. If results are positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is typically required.

Plan Coverage

Missouri State University’s medical plan covers 100% of preventive colorectal screenings when using in-network providers. This includes both colonoscopies and approved stool-based tests.

Preventive vs. Diagnostic Screenings — Understand the Difference

It is important to distinguish between preventive and diagnostic services:

• Preventive Screening: Performed when you have no symptoms and are within routine screening guidelines.
• Diagnostic Testing: Performed due to symptoms (such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, or chronic diarrhea) or because of prior polyps or gastrointestinal disease.

If polyps are found and removed during a screening colonoscopy, the procedure may be reclassified as diagnostic, which can affect how insurance processes the claim. Always confirm coverage details directly with Point C if you have questions.

Critical Illness Insurance – Additional Financial Protection

If diagnosed with invasive cancer, Allstate Critical Illness Insurance provides:

• A $100 wellness benefit for completing preventive screenings such as colonoscopies.
• A lump-sum benefit of $10,000 (Plan 1) or $20,000 (Plan 2) to assist with medical expenses, household costs, travel, or other financial needs.

Critical Illness coverage may only be elected during Open Enrollment (November 1 – December 1) or within 31 days of a qualifying life event.

Take Action This March

• If you are 45 or older, schedule your screening.
• Review your preventive benefits coverage.
• Contact your medical provider or Mercy Gastroenterology to begin the process.

Preventive care is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce cancer risk. Early detection truly saves lives.

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