Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening

Despite strong evidence of effectiveness, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening remains underused. Currently, there are several options for CRC screening, each with its own performance characteristics and considerations for practice - Aasma Shaukat & Theodore R. Levin

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening

image by: Steve and Sara Emry

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A Teachable Moment on the Need for Colon Cancer Screening



More than 690 organizations have joined the effort to remove barriers to screening that can include cost, transportation and resistance to what most people view as an unpleasant experience. Colonoscopy, the gold standard for detecting cancer and removing precancerous polyps, has the dubious distinction of being the least pleasant of all the available screening tests. But the other options, which involve collecting a sample of one’s stool for detection of possible cancer, are no one’s favorites either.

I’ve done both — in fact, I’ve had three colonoscopies, at ages 50, 60 and 70. The test itself is done under mild sedation, and I’ve never felt any pain, only slight pressure,…

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Resources

 A Teachable Moment on the Need for Colon Cancer Screening

Although colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, after lung cancer. Detection guidelines call for screening to begin at 50 for most people, but colon cancer is now increasing in people under 50, and everyone should be aware of the risks and early warning signs.

ColoGuard

Cologuard is an easy to use, noninvasive colon cancer screening test based on the latest advances in stool DNA science. It can be used by men and women 50 years of age and older who are at average risk for colon cancer. Cologuard finds both cancer and precancer.

Screen for Life

CDC’s Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign informs men and women aged 50 years and older about the importance of having regular colorectal cancer screening tests.

Cancer.org

No one looks forward to a colonoscopy, or the bowel prep that goes with it. But colon cancer and rectal cancer screening – testing to look for cancer before symptoms start – helps saves lives. Screening can find colon cancer or rectal cancer early when it’s small and easier to treat, or even prevent it altogether. Colonoscopy, however, is just one of many tests that can be used to look for colon cancer and rectal cancer. And doctors and researchers continue to develop new ones.

CDC

Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer...

FamilyDoctor.org

Screening tests can find polyps or cancers before they are large enough to cause any symptoms. Screening tests are important because early detection means that the cancer can be more effectively treated. Your doctor will choose the tests that are right for you.

National Cancer Institute

Several screening tests have been developed to help doctors find colorectal cancer early, when it may be more treatable. Some tests that detect adenomas and polyps can actually prevent the development of cancer because these tests allow growths that might otherwise become cancer to be detected and removed. That is, colorectal cancer screening may be a form of cancer prevention, not just early detection.

Patient

Bowel (colorectal) cancer is common. The outlook (prognosis) and chance of cure are much better if this cancer is detected at an early stage rather than at a later stage. A screening programme operates in the UK for certain age groups. The aim is to offer an easy screening test to detect bowel cancer when it is at an early stage and before symptoms start. Some people outside the normal screening age who have a high risk of developing bowel cancer are offered extra screening tests.

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