Colon Cancer Prevention Project | Lake news



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The work of the Colon Cancer Prevention Project is receiving significant support due to new legislation requiring Kentucky's health protection plans to cover genetic testing for people at risk of cancer, as recommended by the Canadian Cancer Society. health care providers.

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March 22, 2019

LOUISVILLE, KY March 20, 2019 – Senate Bill 30 KRS 304.17A-257, sponsored by State Senator Ralph Alvarado, was promulgated by Governor Bevin on March 19. the recommendation is made by a licensed medical professional (covered by chapters 311 and 314 of KRS) and follows the guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). This is the first type of specific bill on coverage of genetic cancer risk screening in the country. The effective date of this bill is January 1, 2020, which will give our health care plans time to update all their coverage.

The National Round Table on Colorectal recognizes Kentucky as the country's most important state in improving colorectal cancer screening.

"With SB30, we can use genetic testing to help predict the risk of developing cancer. Between 5 and 10% of some cancers are of genetic origin, but unfortunately genetic tests are still not used to their full potential, "said Dr. Whitney Jones, founder of the Colon Cancer Prevention Project.

One of the factors, addressed in the SB30, is the lack of consistent insurance coverage around preventative genetic testing for people with family history. The BRCA test is currently covered by ACA, but other cancer history is not. Each year, nearly 2,500 Kentuckians should be tested and less than 10% of them undergo genetic screening for cancer risk.

With these genetic tests, Kentuckians will be better able to badess their risks and determine the age of appropriate screening. Suppliers and patients in Kentucky need all the tools at their disposal to prevent and control cancer. Ensuring the coverage of genetic cancer risk tests will save lives and avoid unnecessary suffering in the Commonwealth.

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