Due to recent increases in colorectal cancer diagnoses, the ACS has recommended that colorectal cancer screening is now done much earlier. It isn’t just the American Cancer Society, or ACS, that is recommending early colorectal cancer screening. They are joined in this decision by the US Preventive Task Force. As colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death due to cancer, colorectal cancer screening is vital for older adults. However, as more and more professionals are seeing colorectal cancer in younger patients, the ACS has recommended screening at age 45 instead of 50.
The Reason for the Change
Lately, the statistics of colorectal cancer in women under 50 that have no risk factors for it has dramatically increased. It is thought that obesity is a major risk factor, but there are now studies being conducted that are trying to pinpoint all the risk factors. Right now, an early colorectal cancer screening can help to minimize risk.
There really are no answers as to why there has been a sharp increase in cases of colorectal cancer. There is a much higher risk for developing colorectal cancer today than there was just 50 years ago, but there aren’t answers as to why this is true. This is part of the reason early colorectal cancer screening has been recommended. This is especially true if you have any risk factors for any type of cancer, including diet, smoking, and drinking.
How Early Colorectal Cancer Screeningis Done
It used to be that the only way to screen for colorectal cancer was to undergo a colonoscopy. However, early detection results have been seen through colorectal cancer screening methods that are much easier. There are six ways to screen for colorectal cancer. Three of those methods are done in your own home, where a sample is sent by mail back to the lab.
You can also opt for a CT scan, also called a virtual colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer screening can also be done early by a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This procedure looks at the colon through a small camera. This is much like a colonoscopy but less invasive and time consuming. If you have a positive result from any of these colorectal cancer screening procedures, it is recommended that you have a colonoscopy.
If you are over 45 and have not yet had colorectal cancer screening, the GI Texas Center can help make sure you are not at risk. Whether you want an at-home screening or you opt for something done in the office, colorectal cancer screening is important.