According to the American Cancer Society, about one-third of adults eligible for screening do not get tested.
Washington—— American Cancer Society Updated screening guidelines for common cancers in the United States
this suggestion Designed to expand screening options for colorectal cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women. Early detection can significantly improve the chances of survival.
People at average risk are recommended to have a home stool test twice every three years, according to updated guidance. One detects DNA mutations, looking for certain genes, proteins and molecules hidden in blood and stool samples that may indicate cancer.
People are considered to be at average risk if they do not:
- Have a personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- Confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
- Personal history of radiation therapy to the abdominal or pelvic area to treat previous cancer
The guidance now requires, for the first time, a blood screening test in a doctor’s office. While it may not be very efficient, it does provide options for testing.
Blood tests screen the blood for tumor DNA. It is only recommended for those who refuse or do not complete preferred screening tests such as home stool tests and colonoscopies. Those with abnormal test results should have a colonoscopy.
“You know, colonoscopy is still a test that’s not better, but some people are unable or unwilling to undergo a colonoscopy,” said Dr. William Dahout, chief scientific officer of the American Cancer Society.
By 2026, more than 55,000 people are expected to die from colorectal cancer. Research shows that early detection helps save lives.
About one-third of adults eligible for screening do not get tested, according to the ACS.
“We need to take colorectal cancer more seriously as a highly preventable disease that is also a treatable disease.” Dr. Robert SmithThe American Cancer Society’s senior vice president of early cancer detection science said in a report Press release. “By providing more screening tools in our guideline updates, more eligible adults will be able to participate in life-saving colorectal cancer testing, helping to close the screening gap and find more cancers in their early, treatable stages.”
The updated guidelines reiterate that moderate-risk adults should begin screening between the ages of 45 and 75.
People who are at higher risk for colorectal cancer should start screening before age 45 or have screening more often.
The American Cancer Society provides “Online calculator“Helping people assess their risk of colorectal cancer.
CNN Newsource contributed to this report.
