Colorectal Cancer Prevention: Gastroenterology Screening Guidelines

Colorectal Cancer Prevention: Gastroenterology Screening Guidelines

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. However, it’s also one of the most preventable cancers with regular screening. The https://www.drsinghgastro.com/ American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and other leading organizations have established screening guidelines to help adults identify their risk and determine the best course of action.

Who Should Get Screened?

The ACG recommends starting colorectal cancer screening for average-risk adults at age 45. This is a change from previous guidelines that suggested starting at 50. People of African American descent may benefit from starting even earlier, at age 40.

It’s important to note that these are guidelines for average-risk individuals. Certain factors can increase your risk of CRC, and these individuals may need to be screened earlier or more frequently. These risk factors include:

• Family history: Having a close relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer increases your risk.
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can raise your risk.
• Lifestyle factors: Obesity, smoking, and a diet low in fiber and high in red meat are all associated with an increased risk of CRC.

What Screening Options Are Available?

There are two main categories of CRC screening tests: stool-based tests and visual exams.

• Stool-based tests: These tests look for hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of polyps or cancer. Common options include the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and the multi-targeted stool DNA test (MT-sDNA). These tests are non-invasive and can be done at home. However, a positive result will require a follow-up colonoscopy.
• Visual exams: Colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC screening. It allows doctors to directly visualize the entire colon and rectum and remove any suspicious polyps during the procedure. Other visual exam options include sigmoidoscopy and CT colonography.

Choosing the Right Test

The best screening test for you depends on your individual preferences, risk factors, and health history. Discuss your options with your doctor to determine the most appropriate approach.

What to Do After a Screening

If your screening test is normal, you will likely be recommended to repeat the test at regular intervals depending on the specific test used. If your screening test is positive, a colonoscopy will be necessary to confirm the presence of polyps or cancer and determine the best course of treatment.

Early Detection is Key

Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Regular screening is the most effective way to detect CRC at its earliest stages, before symptoms develop. If you are 45 or older, talk to your doctor about your risk for colorectal cancer and discuss the available screening options. Don’t wait until you experience symptoms to get screened. Remember, early detection saves lives.