Skip to main content
    • Welcome to MyBlue!
    • Home
    • Find a Doctor & Estimate Costs
    • My Account
    • My Plan
      • Manage My Plan
        • My ID Card
        • My Quick Start Guide
        • Plan Education Center
        • Health Financial Accounts
        • Evidence of Coverage
        • Behavioral Health Coverage
        • Vision Coverage
        • Preventive Care
        • Pharmacy Coverage
          • Pharmacy Networks
          • HSA Preventive Medications
          • Value-Based Benefits
          • Medication Lookup
          • The Value of Generic Medications
            • What is Generic Medication
            • Your Role: The Rx You Need
            • Helpful Resources
          • Pharmacy Management Program
            • Step Therapy
            • Quality Care Dosing
            • Prior Authorization
          • Mail Order Pharmacy
            • Home Delivery Options
          • Specialty Pharmacy Network
            • Network Pharmacy Information
        • Summary of Health Plan Payments
        • Member Rights & Responsibilities
          • Appeal and Grievance Program
          • Commitment to Confidentiality
          • Health Care Fraud
          • Quality Improvement
            • Health Management Programs
          • Women's Health & Cancer Rights Act
          • Utilization Management
      • Discounts & Savings
        • Blue365 Discounts & Savings
        • Fitness & Weight Loss Reimbursements
        • Pet Insurance
        • Vision Discounts
    • AHealthyMe
      • Get Educated
        • Dental Health
        • Flu Facts
          • Where to Get Vaccinated
          • Coverage
          • Prevention
          • Treatment
          • More Information
        • Self-Care Resources
        • Prevention
          • Postpartum Depression
          • Screenings
      • My Programs
        • Overcoming Insomnia
        • Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
      • Manage My Health
        • Care Management
          • Advanced Illness
          • Aftercare
          • Oncology
        • Chronic Condition Management
          • Asthma
        • Behavioral Health
          • ADHD
          • Anxiety
          • Autism Spectrum Disorder
          • Depression
          • Substance Use Disorder
        • Growing Up Healthy
        • Screening Guidelines for Adults
          • Breast Cancer
          • Cervical Cancer
          • Colon Cancer
        • Immunizations & Screenings for Healthy Children
    • Tools & Resources
      • Privacy & Security
        • Terms & Conditions
        • Privacy Policy
        • Security
        • Email & SMS Communication
        • Technical Support
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Other Resources
        • Accessibility
        • Nondiscrimination Notice
      • Member Care Resources
        • Finding Care
        • 24-Hour Nurse Line
        • Directions for children with special health care needs
        • Cost & Quality Tools
          • Rate Your Doctor
      • Resource Library
        • Forms & Brochures
        • Glossary
        • Coverage & Care in Rhode Island
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Video Vault
    • News & Updates
      • What's New
        • Direct Pay Changes
        • Understanding Your Deductible
        • Health Care Reform
        • Sign Up For Email
        • BLUEBikes
      • Plan Updates
        • General Plan Updates
        • Pharmacy Benefit Updates
        • Minimum Creditable Coverage
    • Doctors & Hospitals
      • Doctors & Hospitals
        • Find a Doctor & Estimate Costs
        • Providers Outside of Massachusetts
        • Emergency Room Alternatives
        • Quality & Affordability of Care
          • Choosing Speciality Care
          • Radiology Treatment Privileging
        • Well Connection
    • Other Sites
      • Blue Cross MA Home
      • Medicare
      • Employer
      • Broker
      • Careers
      • About Us
      • Contact Support
      • Coverage
  • {Mobile Break}
  • Medicare
  • Welcome to MyBlue!
  • Get Care
    • Call Member Service:
      1-800-262-2583
    • Talk to a Nurse:
      1-888-247-2583
    • Talk to a Doctor
    • Send Website Feedback
  • Account

    Sign-in to MyBlue

    Need to create an account?
    Register Now
    • Welcome to MyBlue!
    • Home
    • Find a Doctor & Estimate Costs
    • My Account
    • My Plan
      • Manage My Plan
        • My ID Card
        • My Quick Start Guide
        • Plan Education Center
        • Health Financial Accounts
        • Evidence of Coverage
        • Behavioral Health Coverage
        • Vision Coverage
        • Preventive Care
        • Pharmacy Coverage
          • Pharmacy Networks
          • HSA Preventive Medications
          • Value-Based Benefits
          • Medication Lookup
          • The Value of Generic Medications
            • What is Generic Medication
            • Your Role: The Rx You Need
            • Helpful Resources
          • Pharmacy Management Program
            • Step Therapy
            • Quality Care Dosing
            • Prior Authorization
          • Mail Order Pharmacy
            • Home Delivery Options
          • Specialty Pharmacy Network
            • Network Pharmacy Information
        • Summary of Health Plan Payments
        • Member Rights & Responsibilities
          • Appeal and Grievance Program
          • Commitment to Confidentiality
          • Health Care Fraud
          • Quality Improvement
            • Health Management Programs
          • Women's Health & Cancer Rights Act
          • Utilization Management
      • Discounts & Savings
        • Blue365 Discounts & Savings
        • Fitness & Weight Loss Reimbursements
        • Pet Insurance
        • Vision Discounts
    • AHealthyMe
      • Get Educated
        • Dental Health
        • Flu Facts
          • Where to Get Vaccinated
          • Coverage
          • Prevention
          • Treatment
          • More Information
        • Self-Care Resources
        • Prevention
          • Postpartum Depression
          • Screenings
      • My Programs
        • Overcoming Insomnia
        • Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
      • Manage My Health
        • Care Management
          • Advanced Illness
          • Aftercare
          • Oncology
        • Chronic Condition Management
          • Asthma
        • Behavioral Health
          • ADHD
          • Anxiety
          • Autism Spectrum Disorder
          • Depression
          • Substance Use Disorder
        • Growing Up Healthy
        • Screening Guidelines for Adults
          • Breast Cancer
          • Cervical Cancer
          • Colon Cancer
        • Immunizations & Screenings for Healthy Children
    • Tools & Resources
      • Privacy & Security
        • Terms & Conditions
        • Privacy Policy
        • Security
        • Email & SMS Communication
        • Technical Support
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Other Resources
        • Accessibility
        • Nondiscrimination Notice
      • Member Care Resources
        • Finding Care
        • 24-Hour Nurse Line
        • Directions for children with special health care needs
        • Cost & Quality Tools
          • Rate Your Doctor
      • Resource Library
        • Forms & Brochures
        • Glossary
        • Coverage & Care in Rhode Island
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Video Vault
    • News & Updates
      • What's New
        • Direct Pay Changes
        • Understanding Your Deductible
        • Health Care Reform
        • Sign Up For Email
        • BLUEBikes
      • Plan Updates
        • General Plan Updates
        • Pharmacy Benefit Updates
        • Minimum Creditable Coverage
    • Doctors & Hospitals
      • Doctors & Hospitals
        • Find a Doctor & Estimate Costs
        • Providers Outside of Massachusetts
        • Emergency Room Alternatives
        • Quality & Affordability of Care
          • Choosing Speciality Care
          • Radiology Treatment Privileging
        • Well Connection
    • Other Sites
      • Blue Cross MA Home
      • Medicare
      • Employer
      • Broker
      • Careers
      • About Us
      • Contact Support
      • Coverage
  • Plans & Products
  • Provider

Home | Medicare | Employer | Broker | Provider | Careers | About Us

Sign Up for Email

  • My Plan
    • Manage My Plan
      • My ID Card
      • My Quick Start Guide
      • Plan Education Center
      • Health Financial Accounts
      • Evidence of Coverage
      • Behavioral Health Coverage
      • Vision Coverage
      • Preventive Care
      • Pharmacy Coverage
        • Pharmacy Networks
        • HSA Preventive Medications
        • Value-Based Benefits
        • Medication Lookup
        • The Value of Generic Medications
          • What is Generic Medication
          • Your Role: The Rx You Need
          • Helpful Resources
        • Pharmacy Management Program
          • Step Therapy
          • Quality Care Dosing
          • Prior Authorization
        • Mail Order Pharmacy
          • Home Delivery Options
        • Specialty Pharmacy Network
          • Network Pharmacy Information
      • Summary of Health Plan Payments
      • Member Rights & Responsibilities
        • Appeal and Grievance Program
        • Commitment to Confidentiality
        • Health Care Fraud
        • Quality Improvement
          • Health Management Programs
        • Women's Health & Cancer Rights Act
        • Utilization Management
    • Discounts & Savings
      • Blue365 Discounts & Savings
      • Fitness & Weight Loss Reimbursements
      • Pet Insurance
      • Vision Discounts
  • AHealthyMe
    • Get Educated
      • Dental Health
      • Flu Facts
        • Where to Get Vaccinated
        • Coverage
        • Prevention
        • Treatment
        • More Information
      • Self-Care Resources
      • Prevention
        • Postpartum Depression
        • Screenings
    • My Programs
      • Overcoming Insomnia
      • Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
    • Manage My Health
      • Care Management
        • Advanced Illness
        • Aftercare
        • Oncology
      • Chronic Condition Management
        • Asthma
      • Behavioral Health
        • ADHD
        • Anxiety
        • Autism Spectrum Disorder
        • Depression
        • Substance Use Disorder
      • Growing Up Healthy
      • Screening Guidelines for Adults
        • Breast Cancer
        • Cervical Cancer
        • Colon Cancer
      • Immunizations & Screenings for Healthy Children
  • Tools & Resources
    • Privacy & Security
      • Terms & Conditions
      • Privacy Policy
      • Security
      • Email & SMS Communication
      • Technical Support
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Other Resources
      • Accessibility
      • Nondiscrimination Notice
    • Member Care Resources
      • Finding Care
      • 24-Hour Nurse Line
      • Directions for children with special health care needs
      • Cost & Quality Tools
        • Rate Your Doctor
    • Resource Library
      • Forms & Brochures
      • Glossary
      • Coverage & Care in Rhode Island
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Video Vault
  • News & Updates
    • What's New
      • Direct Pay Changes
      • Understanding Your Deductible
      • Health Care Reform
      • Sign Up For Email
      • BLUEBikes
    • Plan Updates
      • General Plan Updates
      • Pharmacy Benefit Updates
      • Minimum Creditable Coverage
  • Doctors & Hospitals
    • Doctors & Hospitals
      • Find a Doctor & Estimate Costs
      • Providers Outside of Massachusetts
      • Emergency Room Alternatives
      • Quality & Affordability of Care
        • Choosing Speciality Care
        • Radiology Treatment Privileging
      • Well Connection
  • Other Sites
    • Blue Cross MA Home
    • Medicare
    • Employer
    • Broker
    • Careers
    • About Us
    • Contact Support
    • Coverage
Español Português 简体中文 Tiếng Việt Pусский

Colon Cancer

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a common type of cancer that affects the colon (large intestine). It’s one of the top five leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and it’s estimated that it will claim more than 51,000 lives in 2019.1 The risk of developing colon cancer is slightly higher for men (4.49%) than it is for women (4.15%).1

Why Is Colon Cancer Screening Important?

Colon cancer is often curable when detected at an early stage, and the only way to detect it is to get screened. Many times, there are no early warning signs of colon cancer, so people may feel great and still have colon cancer.

Before colon cancer begins, small tissue growths called polyps often develop in the colon, and can become cancerous over time if untreated. By screening, detecting, and removing polyps early, colon cancer may be cured or even prevented entirely.

What Are the Current Colon Screening Guidelines?

Most people age 50 and older should have regular screenings to detect polyps earlier, when removing and treating them can be most effective. People with a personal history of polyps, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease, or those who have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, are at a higher risk and may need to be tested more frequently, or start testing before age 50.

There are four tests to screen for colon cancer, and you should talk with your doctor about which one is best for you. Learn more about the different screenings at ahealthyme.com.

How to Lower Your Risk

• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day
• Eat five or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily
• Avoid tobacco and, if you drink alcohol, drink in moderation
• Maintain a healthy weight

What Resources Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Offer Members?

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, it’s important that all our members age 50 and older get regular screenings to detect colon cancer. To help increase member and physician awareness of and participation in regular colorectal cancer screenings, we’ve developed a program to remind our members in the appropriate age group to get screened. Members who are overdue for their screening may receive a reminder from us, and we work with physicians to educate and encourage them to talk to their patients about the importance of colon cancer screening.

Care Management

Our Care Management Program offers ongoing support for members with chronic conditions and complicated medical issues. Care managers will reach out to members who may have had a recent change in health, a condition they may need help managing, or a recent hospitalization. Participation in this program is completely optional, is offered at no additional cost to members, and won’t affect health plan benefits.

Additional Resources

  • Know what to ask your doctor about colon screenings  
  • Visit the Blue Cross ahealthyme.com to learn more about colon cancer risk factors and treatments
  • Access the CDC page for colon cancer screening
  • For more information about colon cancer, call the American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the American Cancer Society page for colon cancer

1 American Cancer Society, “Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer.” Accessed July 9, 2019. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.

Quick Links

  • Find a Doctor & Estimate Costs
  • Medication Lookup
  • Telehealth
  • 24/7 Nurse Line
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Blue365® Discounts & Savings
  • Download a Submit Claim Form
  • Glossary of Health Coverage & Medical Terms
  • Nondiscrimination Notice & Translation Resources
  • Cost and Quality Tools

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Social Media Links

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedln
  • Youtube

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® Registered Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
®´, ®´´, SM, TM Registered and Service Marks, and Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©   Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Inc., or Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, Inc.

Footer Menu

  • Terms of use
  • Privacy & Security
  • Accessibility
  • Site Map
  • Nondiscrimination & Translations Resources
  • Contact Us
  • Coverage
Nondiscrimination & Translations Resources
  • Español (Spanish)
  • Português (Portuguese)
  • French/Français
  • Chinese/简体中文
  • Haitian Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen
  • Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt
  • Russian/Русский
  • Mon-Khmer, Cambodian/ខ្មែរ
  • Italian/Italiano
  • Korean/한국어
  • Greek/λληνικά
  • Polish/Polski
  • Hindi/हिंदी
  • Gujarati/ગુજરાતી
  • Tagalog/Tagalog
  • Japanese/日本語
  • German/Deutsch
  • English (English)
  • Lao/ພາສາລາວ
  • Navajo/Diné Bizaad

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia con el idioma. Llame al número de Servicio al Cliente que figura en su tarjeta de identificación llamada 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

ATENÇÃO: Se fala português, são-lhe disponibilizados gratuitamente serviços de assistência de idiomas. Telefone para os Serviços aos Membros, através do número no seu cartão ID chamar  1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

ATTENTION : si vous parlez français, des services d’assistance linguistique sont disponibles gratuitement. Appelez le Service adhérents au numéro indiqué sur votre carte d’assuré appel 1-800-472-2689  (TTY : 711 ).

注意:如果您讲中文,我们可向您免费提供语言协助服务。请拨打您 ID  卡上的号码联系会员服务部 通话 1-800-472-2689(TTY  号码:711 )。

ATANSYON: Si ou pale kreyòl ayisyen, sèvis asistans nan lang disponib pou ou gratis. Rele nimewo Sèvis Manm nan ki sou kat Idantitifkasyon w lan (Sèvis pou Malantandan Rele 1-800-472-2689 TTY: 711 ).

LƯU .: Nếu quý vị n.i Tiếng Việt, c.c dịch vụ hỗ trợ ng.n ngữ được cung cấp cho quý vị miễn ph.. Gọi cho Dịch vụ Hội vi.n theo số tr.n thẻ ID của quý vị Cuộc gọi 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

ВНИМАНИЕ: если Вы говорите по-русски, Вы можете воспользоваться бесплатными услугами переводчика. Позвоните в отдел обслуживания клиентов по номеру, указанному в Вашей идентификационной карте вызов  1-800-472-2689 (телетайп: 711 ).

ការជូនដំណឹង៖ ប្រសិនប. ើអ្នកនិយាយភាសា ខ្មែរ សេ  វាជំនួយភាសាឥតគិតថ្លៃ គឺអាចរកបានសម្  រាប ់អ្នក។ សូមទូរស័ព្ទទ ៅផ ្នែ កសេ  វាសមា  ជិកតាមល េខន  ៅល.  ើប ័ណ្ណ សម្  គាល ់ខ្លួ ខ្លួ នរប ស់អ្នក ហៅ  1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711) ។

ATTENZIONE: se parlate italiano, sono disponibili per voi servizi gratuiti di assistenza linguistica. Chiamate il Servizio per i membri al numero riportato sulla vostra scheda identificativa chiamata  1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

참고 : 한국어를 사용하는 경우 언어 지원 서비스를 무료로 사용할 수 있습니다. 신분증에있는 전화 번호 1-800-472-2689 (TTY : 711)로 회원 서비스에 연락하십시오.

ΠΡΟΣΟΧΗ: Εάν μιλάτε Ελληνικά, διατίθενται για σας υπηρεσίες γλωσσικής βοήθειας, δωρεάν. Καλέστε την Υπηρεσία Εξυπηρέτησης Μελών στον αριθμό της κάρτας μέλους σας (ID Card) κλήση 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

UWAGA: Osoby posługujące się językiem polskim mogą bezpłatnie skorzystać z pomocy językowej. Należy zadzwonić do Działu obsługi ubezpieczonych pod numer podany na identyfikatorze zadzwoń 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

ध्यान दें: य दि  आप ह िन् दी बोलते ह ैं, तो भा षा  सहाय  ता  सेवा एँ, आप के लि ए नि :शुल्क  उपलब्ध ह ैं। सदस्य  सेवा ओं को आपके आई.डी. कार  ्ड पर दि ए गए नंबर पर कॉल करें  कॉल 1-800-472-2689 ( टी .टी .वा ई.: 711).

ધ્યાન આપો:  જો તમે ગુજરા તી બોલતા  હો, તો તમને ભા ષા કીય  સહાય  તા  સેવા ઓ વિ ના  મૂલ્યે  ઉપલબ્ધ છે. તમા રા  આઈડી કાર  ્ડ પર આપેલા  નંબર પર Member Service  ને કૉલ કરો કૉલ કરો 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711).

PAUNAWA: Kung nagsasalita ka ng wikang Tagalog, mayroon kang magagamit na mga libreng serbisyo para sa tulong sa wika. Tawagan ang Mga Serbisyo sa Miyembro sa numerong nasa iyong ID Card tumawag 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

お知らせ:日本語をお話しになる方は無料の言語アシスタンスサービスをご利用いただけます。ID カードに記載の電話番号を使用してメンバーサービスまでお電話ください 呼び出す 1-800-472-2689(TTY: 711 )。

ACHTUNG: Wenn Sie Deutsche sprechen, steht Ihnen kostenlos fremdsprachliche Unterstützung zur Verfügung. Rufen Sie den Mitgliederdienst unter der Nummer auf Ihrer ID-Karte an Anrufen 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711 ).

ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Call 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711).

ຂໍ້ຄວນໃສ່ໃຈ: ຖ້າເຈົ້າເວົ້າພາສາລາວໄດ້, ມີການບໍລິການຊ່ວຍເຫຼືອດ້ານພາສາໃຫ້ທ່ານໂດຍບໍ່ເສຍຄ່າ. ໂທ ຫາ ຝ່າຍບໍລິການສະ ມາ ຊິກທີ່ໝາຍເລກໂທລະສັບຢູ່ໃນບັດຂອງທ່ານ ໂທ 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711).

BAA !KOHWIINDZIN DOO&G&: Din4 k’ehj7 y1n7[t’i’go saad bee y1t’i’ 47 t’11j77k’e bee n7k1’a’doowo[go 47 n1’ahoot’i’. D77 bee an7tah7g7 ninaaltsoos bine’d44’ n0omba bik1’7g7ij8’ b44sh bee hod77lnih call 1-800-472-2689 (TTY: 711).