Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Improving Access to Affordable Screening

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that colorectal cancer remains one of the most common and preventable cancers in the United States. When detected early through routine screening, colorectal cancer is highly treatable, yet too many adults delay or avoid screening due to cost concerns, confusion about options, or limited access.

This is despite the fact that members have more options for screening than ever before. They can receive a colonoscopy, a CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy), or stool-based tests such as FIT and Cologuard. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard, as it not only detects cancer but allows for removal of precancerous polyps during the same procedure. CT colonography offers a noninvasive imaging alternative for appropriate patients.

However, unpredictable costs deter many from accessing care. Hospital-based colonoscopies often carry facility fees that can dramatically increase the total cost of care. A procedure initially presented as “covered preventive care” can become more complex if polyps are removed or anesthesia services are billed separately. For employers managing self-funded plans, these add-on charges can significantly impact overall healthcare spend. For members, unexpected bills can discourage follow-up care or future screenings.

This is where Green Imaging steps in as a true health advocate. We guide members to trusted, high-quality outpatient endoscopy and imaging centers that offer transparent, significantly lower pricing, all without compromising clinical excellence. By steering care away from high-cost settings when appropriate, we help employers control spending on preventive screenings while ensuring members receive timely, evidence-based care.

For employers, the result is measurable cost containment on one of healthcare’s most common preventive procedures. For members, it means clarity, confidence, and support every step of the way, from understanding benefits to scheduling appointments. Preventive screening saves lives, and with Green Imaging’s advocacy and cost transparency, organizations can remove barriers to care and build healthier, more productive workforces.