SouthernWorldwide.com – The American Cancer Society (ACS) has released updated guidelines for colorectal cancer screening, reflecting advancements in detection methods and a strategic shift to broaden access to testing.
These new recommendations, published in the ACS’s primary journal, reaffirm that individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer should commence screening at age 45 and continue until age 75, provided they have a life expectancy exceeding 10 years.
Beyond the traditional colonoscopy, the ACS now advocates for the inclusion of blood-based screening tests administered in a doctor’s office. These tests are designed to identify tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream.
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Additionally, the ACS has endorsed an at-home screening option. This method involves examining stool samples for the presence of hidden blood and specific molecular markers.
The revised guidelines acknowledge recent progress in disease detection and a crucial pivot in public health strategy. The aim is to expand screening options and reduce the obstacles individuals face in accessing these vital tests.
Dr. Robert Smith, senior vice president of early cancer detection science at the American Cancer Society and the report’s senior author, emphasized the importance of viewing colorectal cancer as a highly preventable disease, as well as a treatable one.
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“By offering more screening tools in our guideline update, more eligible adults will be able to participate in lifesaving colorectal cancer testing, helping to close the screening gap and catch more cancers at an earlier, treatable stage,” he stated.
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According to the ACS, colorectal cancer screening significantly enhances survival rates. Studies indicate that early-stage detection in the U.S. is associated with a five-year survival rate exceeding 90%.
Despite this, approximately one in three American adults who are eligible for colorectal cancer screening have not undergone the procedure. ACS research highlights colorectal cancer as the leading cause of cancer death among adults under 50.
Individuals identified as having a high risk for colorectal cancer may need to initiate screening before the age of 45 or undergo more frequent testing, the ACS advises. Conversely, individuals over 85 years old are no longer recommended for colorectal cancer screening according to these guidelines.
Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the ACS, stressed that regardless of the chosen test, the most critical action is to get screened. He specifically mentioned the importance of reaching underserved, rural, and minority populations.
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These updated guidelines emerge in the context of a concerning rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses among younger individuals. Recent ACS research indicated a 50% relative increase in diagnoses among adults aged 45 to 49 between 2021 and 2022.
Dr. Aparna Parikh, medical director of the Center for Young Adult Colorectal Cancer at Mass General Cancer Center, who is not affiliated with the ACS, noted that the reasons behind this upward trend are not yet fully understood by experts.
Another recent study from the ACS suggested that consistent and heavy alcohol consumption throughout an adult’s life could elevate the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Established risk factors for colorectal cancer also include a family history of the disease, obesity, smoking, a diet rich in red and processed meats, inflammatory bowel disease, and a personal or family history of polyps.
While colorectal cancer may present with no symptoms in its early stages, experts caution that certain signs should not be disregarded.
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Potential symptoms that warrant attention include fatigue stemming from anemia, stomach pain or discomfort, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, general weakness, and unexplained weight loss.
