Are you 45 or older? This is for you.
New recommendations aim at reducing colorectal
cancer occurrences in young adults
Some things you would rather avoid
in life, but when it comes down to it,
you know they are important. Colorectal
cancer screening is one of those things.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most
common non-skin cancer in America, and
the second-leading cause of cancer deaths.
Over 140,000 Americans are expected to be
diagnosed with CRC in 2018. The good news
is that CRC can be caught early and treated
with positive outcomes, simply by following
a screening regimen.
With incidence rates rising sharply
among younger adults and new technology
available, the American Cancer Society (ACS)
recently moved to update their guidelines
for colorectal screening. Two of the more
significant changes to the guidelines include
age recommendations for testing and more
testing options for patients.
WHY THE CHANGES?
According to research by ACS and the
National Cancer Institute, incidence and
mortality rates for adults 55 years and older
have shown a decline since 2000, largely due
to early detection from screening measures.
In contrast, adults younger than 55 have
shown a sharp increase over the past 20
years. After reviewing their own research
data, the ACS Guideline Development
Committee concluded that a beginning
screening age of 45 instead of 50 for adults
of average risk will result in more lives saved.
The ACS committee also researched
the available tests that are used for CRC
screening. They took into consideration
advances in technology, patient sensitivity,
and the pros and cons of each test and
how it prevents or helps find cancer. With
individual preference in mind, the guidelines
now recommend that doctors give
patients a wider range of test options
to choose from, in hopes that more
choices will result in more screenings.
WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDED
SCREENING TESTS?
Several options are now available for
CRC screening. There are differences
among the tests, but the most
important thing is to just get screened.
Stool Tests
Due to improved technology, stool
tests can more accurately detect DNA
mutations or signs of blood that may
indicate cancer. This is a huge relief for those
who refuse to have a colonoscopy. However,
most doctors feel that seeing is believing,
and if you have an abnormal stool test,
the recommendation is to complete the
screening with a colonoscopy anyway. The
types of stool tests include:
• Fecal immunochemical test every
year
• High-sensitivity, guaiac-based
fecal occult blood test every year
• Multi-target stool DNA test every
three years
Any positive stool tests usually warrants a
colonoscopy.
Endoscopic or Imaging Examinations
Endoscopic procedures can be in-depth
requiring preparation and sedation, but
they do reveal what can’t be seen with a
stool test–small polyps that may pose a
threat of developing into tumors later on.
Colonoscopy prep is also easier than it
used to be. If you dread the prep more than
the procedure, talk to your doctor about
different options. Visual exams include:
• Colonoscopy every 10 years
• CT colonography every five years
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
“We hope that the new age
recommendations and screening options
will reduce incidence rates and catch the
disease early enough to improve outcomes
for more patients,” said Dr. Kurt Hofmann of
NEW AGE
RECOMMENDATIONS
• People at average risk of colorectal
cancer should start regular screening
at age 45.
• People who are in good health and
with a life expectancy of more than
10 years should continue regular
colorectal cancer screening through
the age of 75.
• People ages 76 through 85 should
make a decision with their medical
provider about whether to be
screened, based on their own
personal preferences, life expectancy,
overall health, and prior screening
history.
• People over 85 should no longer get
colorectal cancer screening.
You are considered Average Risk if you
DO NOT have:
• A personal history of colorectal cancer
or certain types of polyps
• A family history of colorectal cancer
• A personal history of inflammatory
bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or
Crohn’s disease)
• A confirmed or suspected hereditary
colorectal cancer syndrome, such
as familial adenomatous polyposis
(FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary
non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
• A personal history of getting radiation
to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to
treat a prior cancer
Vidalia Surgical Associates. “But reaching that
goal starts with the patient. The screening you
choose is not quite as important as just making
the effort to get screened.”
To find out more about CRC screening or
to make an appointment for your screening,
call Vidalia Surgical Associates at 912.538.9977
Remember, screening is a test to find an
asymptomatic abnormality before it becomes a
problem.
Hometown Living At Its Best 11