This week Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) reintroduced H.R. 991, theCT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act, along with co-sponsor Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL).
As America recognizes March as the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, this bipartisan bill seeks to encourage colonography screening participation by providing Medicare coverage for a less invasive colonoscopy procedure.
"Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet it remains the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States," said Hall. "In an effort to help Americans with early detection to prevent this deadly disease, I am reintroducing the CT Colonography Screening for Colorectal Cancer Act."
Hall continued, "Many Americans are reluctant to undergo traditional colonoscopies due to its invasive procedure. This bill would ensure coverage under Medicare for CT Colonography -- a less costly, patient friendly alternative to traditional colonoscopy exams. The non-invasive procedure is performed with the help of a simple CT scan enabling the physician to examine the entire colon on a personal computer."
"More than 50,000 Americans die each year from colon cancer, and one in every nineteen Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime. In addition, the healthcare system spends approximately $25-$30 billion a year solely on the treatment of colon cancer. By providing Medicare coverage for patient-friendly CT Colonography exams, we can increase the number of Americans screened for colon cancer, save billions of dollars in treatment, prevent unnecessary deaths, and continue future coverage of this disease."
"I look forward to seeing this bill progress in the House and ultimately signed into law."