March is National Colon
Cancer Awareness Month.
Colon and colorectal cancers are currently the fourth-leading cancers for both men and women, as well as the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.[1] However, when caught early enough, its five-year survival rate is over 90%.[2]
What better way to recognize National Colon Cancer Awareness Month than to schedule your cancer screening?
The benefits of colonoscopies and cancer screenings
If you are over age 45 or considered high risk (e.g., due to a family history of rectal or colon cancer), screenings are considered preventive care and covered at no cost through your medical insurance. Ask your primary care provider (PCP) what the best next step is based on your personal situation. For example, if you considered lower-risk, an at-home test may be a less invasive but equally effective alternative to a colonoscopy.
Even if you don’t need a colonoscopy at this time, other preventive screenings can help save your life and keep you strong and healthy. At your next annual wellness exam, check with your PCP about the best preventive screenings for you — they could include a mammogram, prostate exam or cervical cancer screening, just to name a few.
Get rewarded for your health screenings
If you need some extra motivation to get a colonoscopy or other health screening, remember the rewards available to you:
- Earn 4,000 Personify Health (formerly Virgin Pulse) points when you complete an annual physical, colonoscopy, mammogram or cervical cancer screening. Remember, these points help you earn up to $100 per quarter ($400 annually) in Rewards Cash (formerly Pulse Cash), which you can redeem for gift cards, donations and merchandise.
- If you have enrolled in the Critical Illness or Hospital Indemnity insurance through Securian, you and your spouse or partner (if covered) can each earn a $50 cash reward when you complete a colonoscopy or other routine medical exam. If you have both of these supplemental health benefits, that’s $100 in your pocket!
Ready. Set. Screen.
Contact your PCP today to ask whether a colonoscopy or other preventive screening makes sense for you. Screenings may be booking out pretty far in advance, so the sooner you call, the sooner you can get one on the calendar.
Ready. Set. Screen. – and make your health a priority in 2025!
Join our discussion about men’s health!
Attend our webinar with Dr. Albert Ha, a fellowship-trained urologist from Sutter Health, on Tues., Mar. 11 at 11am PT to learn about common issues in aging men and strategies to optimize health and enhance quality of life. You’ll earn 500 Personify Health (formerly Virgin Pulse) points if you attend! Click here for event details.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/statistics/index.html
[2] American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html
