High cost of colonoscopy deterring young Americans from testing—and raising cancer risk (BMJ)

The rising cost of colonoscopies and restrictive U.S. insurance policies are deterring young adults from timely colorectal cancer (CRC) testing, contributing to a troubling increase in advanced cases and mortality among those under 50. Patients like Kristina Kelly, who was diagnosed with stage III CRC at 36, face out-of-pocket costs even with insurance, leading many to delay or forego life-saving procedures. Experts and advocacy groups emphasize the urgent need for insurers to provide better coverage for colonoscopies, especially for individuals with symptoms or family history, to counteract this alarming trend.