Better prevention, early detection, and treatment improvements have led
to more than one million people in the United States surviving
colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Despite
these advancements, however, colorectal cancer remains the third leading
cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., and is expected to kill
50,310 Americans in 2014.1
For the past nine years, Cigna (NYSE: CI) has been fighting colorectal
cancer with its award-winning Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. This
year, the company intends to reach two million people who are due for
screening through a combination of targeted online messages and direct
mail. Cigna has also produced a podcast
on the importance of colorectal cancer screening.
In 2013, the national Colorectal Cancer Screening Program reached about
1.8 million customers through the company’s myCigna.com customer web
portal. An additional 317,000 people received a special mailing to
introduce the program to newly eligible customers and to help
individuals remain current with recommended screening.
Overall, Cigna saw a 23.7 percent increase in colorectal cancer
screening last year compared with 2012 statistics. Cigna data showed an
11.2 percent increase in colonoscopies in 2013, and a 188 percent
increase in the rate of InSure® FIT™ and fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
screenings. The large increase was due in part to Cigna sending kits
directly to customers who previously used the InSure® FIT™ or who had
previously demonstrated a preference for this type of screening.
The InSure® FIT™ at-home collection kit is easy and convenient. It is
sensitive at detecting abnormalities in the lower gastrointestinal
tract. Cigna has made an arrangement with Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX)
to arrange for the provision of the kit at no charge to the patient, and
the laboratory processing fees are covered as a preventive benefit under
most Cigna plans. Visit www.insuretest.com
for more information about the test.
This year, approximately 280,000 newly eligible individuals covered by a
Cigna medical plan who are between the ages of 50 and 64, and whose
claims data indicate they have not had a colorectal cancer screening,
will receive information in the mail about appropriate colon cancer
screening tests, including colonoscopy. In addition, they will be
offered the opportunity to request the InSure® FIT™ collection kit.
Approximately 19,000 Cigna customers who, based on Cigna claims data,
completed either the at-home kit or a fecal occult blood test in the
last three years and did not have a follow-up colonoscopy or
sigmoidoscopy, have been selected to receive an InSure® FIT™ kit this
year.
In addition, all Cigna customers between the ages of 50 and 64 will see
a targeted message about colon cancer screening and the InSure® FIT™ kit
whenever they log on to myCigna.com between the last week of March and
July 12. Customers using the web portal for common online activities,
such as finding a doctor, refilling a prescription, taking a health
assessment, checking on coverage or reviewing a claim, will be exposed
to this potentially life-saving message.
“Colorectal cancer is treatable and preventable, especially if detected
early, which is why educating customers about screening is so
important,” said Scott Josephs, M.D., Cigna national medical officer.
“We saw a significant increase in the rate of screenings as a result of
last year’s campaign, and we want that trend to continue in 2014 and
beyond.”
A snapshot of Cigna's claims data in 2013 showed that colonoscopy is the
most frequently used test. For new screenings, colonoscopies accounted
for 43 percent. The InSure® FIT™ and the FOBT accounted for 56 percent
of all new screenings. Because a colonoscopy with normal findings is
generally only completed every ten years for a person of average risk,
and the InSure® FIT™ or FOBT needs to be completed annually,
colonoscopies still account for the majority of tests for Cigna
customers who are current with recommended screening.
“While colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening,
many people may prefer the InSure® FIT™ collection kit. It’s easy to
complete, and it’s convenient because it can be taken at home,” said
Josephs. “We urge all of our customers to discuss colorectal cancer
screening with their physicians to identify the most appropriate option
for them. More people getting screened means more lives that potentially
can be saved.”
Cigna customers who receive program information by mail also receive
guidance about what to do if they have specific colorectal cancer
symptoms, such as a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or abdominal
pain, which could require a complete evaluation by a physician.
Confidential InSure® FIT™ results are mailed to individuals, who are
encouraged to share positive or negative results with their primary care
physician so that an appropriate follow-up screening plan may be
arranged.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company
dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense
of security. All products and services are provided exclusively through
operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut
General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company,
Life Insurance Company of North America, Cigna Life Insurance Company of
New York and their affiliates. Such products and services include an
integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral
health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, and other related products
including group disability, life, and accident coverage. Cigna has sales
capabilities in over 30 countries and jurisdictions, with over 80
million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about
Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.
1 American Cancer Society website, Key Statistics About
Colorectal Cancer.
Copyright Business Wire 2014