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TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The American Cancer Society released updated guidelines for colorectal cancer screening, adding options for a blood-based screening test and new at-home screening kits.
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The new recommendations reaffirm that average-risk adults should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continue through age 75 for those with a life expectancy greater than 10 years.
A recent JAMA study finds colorectal cancer is now the top cancer killer of adults under 50.
“We are definitely seeing colorectal cancers that are developing at younger ages, we’re seeing it at more advanced stages in younger patients,” said Dr. Shane Svoboda, head colorectal surgeon at Northwest Medical Center Tucson. “Our goal over the next 5 to 10 years is going to be getting it reduced even further.”
Importance of early screening
Early screening dramatically improves survival rates, with studies showing early-stage detection yielding five-year survival rates of more than 90% in the United States. The American Cancer Society says about 1 in 3 Americans who qualify still have not been tested.
The updated guidelines expand testing options from an in-office blood test to improved at-home kits. At-home options include an updated version of Cologuard and a newer test called ColoSense that detects warning signs. These tests are recommended for screening every three years.
Blood-based tests are available for individuals who decline or do not complete preferred screening tests. Any positive result from a stool or blood-based test requires follow-up with a colonoscopy, ideally within six months.
What to watch for
Symptoms to watch for include changes in bowel movements, stomach pain, bleeding or darker stool.
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At-home tests are less invasive, but Dr. Svoboda said a colonoscopy remains the gold standard and is recommended every 10 years.
“Colon cancer is still very treatable, but the earlier we can find it and prevent having to have any more extensive treatment, the better you’ll feel,” Svoboda said.
People at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer might need to start screening before age 45, be screened more often or get specific tests. Dr. Svoboda hopes to see the screening age reduced to 40 in the coming years.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also reduce cancer risk. Northwest Medical Center Tucson has been recognized as a Center of Excellence in Colorectal Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation.
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