Heather Candrilli had been experiencing bloating and stomach issues for years, attributing it to her diet and the aftermath of having two children. So, when she received the shocking diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer, it felt like her life was falling apart.
This 36-year-old mother was determined to confront her grim prognosis, which carries a mere 13 percent survival rate. She sprang into action, starting an intense chemotherapy regimen in May 2024.
However, the journey has come with painful side effects and medical expenses that could skyrocket past $500,000.
Corey Candrilli, her husband and a disabled US Army veteran, expressed, “I can’t fully grasp what she’s going through, but I understand pain. I know the ups and downs.”
“She’s incredible,” he added.
Since her diagnosis, Mrs. Candrilli has gone through 20 rounds of chemotherapy and several surgeries aimed at removing tumors, but her battle is far from over.
Mr. Candrilli emphasized that his wife’s delayed diagnosis—stemming from numerous doctor visits where her symptoms were dismissed—highlights the urgent need for legislation mandating insurance coverage for colonoscopies in younger patients with specific symptoms.
Colonoscopy is considered the best method for detecting this disease, which is increasingly affecting younger individuals in the U.S. Recommendations generally suggest starting screenings at 45 and repeating them every ten years if previous results are normal.
Yet, confusion around insurance coverage and costs has led many to delay screenings or face substantial bills. Many patients report charges ranging from $5,000 to as high as $20,000 for the procedure despite being insured.
The couple resides in New York, where laws currently necessitate insurance coverage for colonoscopies only for those 45 and older.
“It’s astonishing,” Mr. Candrilli noted regarding the barriers to screenings for those under 45.
“These are our educators, our parents—people who are shaping our future,” he said.
He mentioned that while his wife suffered from abdominal discomfort, raising a family had overshadowed her own health concerns.
Despite tests for common autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, a colonoscopy was never recommended until an ultrasound revealed an issue with her liver. This led to the procedure that uncovered a rapidly growing tumor, already spreading to other areas.
Mr. Candrilli explained, “As soon as they ordered the colonoscopy, they found the tumor right there.”
Mrs. Candrilli has already undergone surgery to remove part of her colon and is currently awaiting a liver transplant. Following her initial surgery, she completed 20 rounds of chemotherapy, which her husband believes are shrinking the tumors.
These treatments require her to spend four hours at the hospital every two weeks for medication, after which she must wear a device that delivers chemotherapy over a period of two days.
But even as the treatments yield positive effects, Mr. Candrilli mentioned the family struggles to manage medical expenses. “It’s outrageously expensive. While insurance helps, we’ve been told this could reach at least $500,000 even with coverage.”
A GoFundMe page has been established to support the family with their mounting bills, especially since Mrs. Candrilli paused her work as a nanny to support her husband following his traumatic brain injury in Iraq.
He shared, “She’s been the best medicine I could have ever asked for.”
Currently, about 67 percent of adults meet the recommended screening guidelines, which falls short of the government’s target of 70 percent.
Colon cancer typically presents few symptoms until it spreads, making it more difficult to treat. However, early warning signs may include challenges with bowel movements, blood in stool, and ongoing diarrhea or constipation.
Doctors warn that the hefty costs associated with screenings might deter patients, even those showing symptoms, from getting tested. This delay can lead to more advanced and harder-to-treat cancer.
Dr. Glenn Littenberg, who recently led the reimbursement committee of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, stated, “Most people engaging in preventative screenings should have minimal out-of-pocket expenses, regardless of their healthcare provider.”
He added, “Unfortunately, there are horror stories, particularly for those going out of network for their procedures.” He emphasized that when patients postpone necessary screenings due to cost concerns, it prevents the removal of precancerous polyps, thus raising the likelihood of cancer development in the future.
