Early screening saves lives: Colorectal cancer doesn’t wait for age

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for both men and women in the United States and is largely preventable with regular screenings starting at age 45.¹ While the overall incidence of this disease has been declining in older populations – thanks in large part to widespread screening and changes in lifestyle – rates are unfortunately on the rise in younger adults. Currently, an average of 54 new cases are diagnosed each day in individuals aged 50 or younger.²

Your proactive screening guidance has the power to save lives

Patients of all ages are increasingly seeking information about colorectal cancer symptoms and screening options for colorectal cancer. As a trusted health care provider, your recommendation can be a crucial motivator for them to take action.

Empowering patients through education and screening

It’s essential to initiate screening discussions earlier, especially for patients with risk factors such as excess body weight, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, high consumption of red or processed meats, smoking, and a family history of colorectal cancer.³
Customized screening strategies may help in identifying high-risk individuals under the age of 45.
Education and awareness remain pivotal, as many young adults are unaware of their risks and may overlook symptoms like rectal bleeding or abdominal pain.

Strategies for effective patient communication

Health care providers are encouraged to discuss colorectal cancer risks and screening options, even with patients younger than the current screening recommendation of age 45. Research indicates that emphasizing the importance and benefits of screening, addressing patient concerns, and explaining available screening options, are effective strategies.⁴

Here are some suggested approaches for these important conversations:^{4 5}

Let them know you care:“I want you to get tested so you don’t have to worry about colorectal cancer.”
Explain the reasons to get screened: “If the doctor finds a growth in your colon, they can remove it before it even turns into cancer.”
Offer support: “Some parts of the test may feel a bit uncomfortable, but it will be over quickly and can give you peace of mind.”
Provide options: “There are options for getting screened, including some tests that can be done at home.”

2025 HEDIS updates related to colorectal cancer

For the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS^®)⁶ 2025 measurement year, only electronic clinical data reporting will be used for the colon cancer screening measure.⁷

Colorectal cancer screening coverage

Colorectal cancers screenings are typically covered at no cost to your patients with Cigna Healthcare^® coverage when performed at in-network locations, which they can find by logging in to myCigna.com.

You can find more information on Cigna Healthcare preventive care services in the Preventive Care Services Coverage Policy (A004).

Colorectal cancer screening codes

The table below shows the different screening options, their recommended frequencies, and corresponding Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) codes to use.

Test	Frequency²	CPT code
Colonoscopy	Every ten years.	44388–44392, 44394, 44401–44408, 45378–45382, 45384–45386, 45388–45393, and 45398.
Computed tomography colonography	Every five years.	74261–74263.
Stool DNA test with fecal immunochemical test (e.g., Cologuard^®)	Every one to three years.	81528
Fecal occult blood test (e.g., InSure^® ONE, ColoFIT^®)	Every year.	82270 and 82274.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy	Every five years.	45330–45335, 45337–45338, 45340–45342, 45346–45347, and 45349–45350.