 |
|
Health groups issue updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines
March 06, 2008The American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology, and the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer (a group that comprises representatives from the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) have released the first-ever joint consensus guidelines for colorectal cancer screening. The guidelines add two new tests to the list of recommended options: stool DNA (sDNA) and CT colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, and for the first time include a preference for screening tests that can not only detect cancer early but also detect precancerous polyps, as those tests provide a greater potential for cancer prevention through polyp removal.
The guidelines, which represent the most current scientific evidence and expert opinion available, also outline quality elements essential to each of the recommended testing methods. They will appear in the May/June issue of CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, and are published early online on CA First Look and will also be published in upcoming issues of the journals Gastroenterology and Radiology.
In addition to the new tests, the focus on quality and the new delineation of tests into two major types, the expert panel also concluded that any proposed colorectal screening test that has not been shown in the medical literature to detect the majority of cancers present at the time of testing should not be offered to patients for colorectal cancer screening. That includes some types of previously endorsed guiaic-based stool tests.
Based on a review of the historic and recent evidence, the following tests were deemed acceptable options for the early detection of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps for asymptomatic adults aged 50 years and older:
Tests That Detect Adenomatous Polyps and Cancer
* Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or
* Colonoscopy every 10 years, or
* Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) every 5 years, or
* CT colonography (CTC) every 5 years
Tests That Primarily Detect Cancer
* Annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) with high test sensitivity for cancer, or
* Annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) with high test sensitivity for cancer, or
* Stool DNA test (sDNA), with high sensitivity for cancer, interval uncertain.
"Despite clear evidence that colorectal cancer screening saves lives and the existence of several effective tests, screening rates have lagged, costing thousands of lives every year," said Otis W. Brawley, M.D., national chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. "Our hope is that these new recommendations will help relieve some of the challenges health care providers have had in promoting screening to their patients and lead to more Americans preventing colon cancer by having polyps removed before they turn into cancer."
It was the strong opinion of the expert panel that colon cancer prevention should be the primary goal of colorectal cancer screening, so the guidelines state a preference for tests designed to detect both early cancer and adenomatous polyps, as long as resources are available and patients are willing to undergo an invasive test. "This is the first time that a guideline from the American Cancer Society will express a strong preference for tests that can identify both polyps and cancer and lead to cancer prevention," noted David A. Lieberman, M.D., on behalf of the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. "We feel strongly that this will help consumers make decisions that can, quite literally, save their lives."
The panel recognized that some patients will not want to undergo an invasive test that requires a bowel prep, may prefer to have screening in the privacy of their home, or may not have access to the invasive tests due to lack of coverage or local resources, so will opt for stool occult blood or DNA testing, which can be performed at home, without bowel prep. But the panel said providers and patients should understand that those tests are less likely to prevent cancer compared with the invasive tests; they must be repeated at regular intervals to be effective; and if the test is abnormal, an invasive test (colonoscopy) will still be needed.
"The addition of these new technologies can potentially encourage many more people to choose to be screened for colorectal cancer," said Arl Van Moore, M.D., FACR, chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors. "This could result in early detection of the disease for more patients, increasing the chance of successful treatment, and potentially reduce colorectal cancer deaths nationwide."
American Cancer Society
Based on a review of the historic and recent evidence, the following tests were deemed acceptable options for the early detection of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps for asymptomatic adults aged 50 years and older:
Tests That Detect Adenomatous Polyps and Cancer
* Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or
* Colonoscopy every 10 years, or
* Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) every 5 years, or
* CT colonography (CTC) every 5 years
Tests That Primarily Detect Cancer
* Annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) with high test sensitivity for cancer, or
* Annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) with high test sensitivity for cancer, or
* Stool DNA test (sDNA), with high sensitivity for cancer, interval uncertain.
"Despite clear evidence that colorectal cancer screening saves lives and the existence of several effective tests, screening rates have lagged, costing thousands of lives every year," said Otis W. Brawley, M.D., national chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. "Our hope is that these new recommendations will help relieve some of the challenges health care providers have had in promoting screening to their patients and lead to more Americans preventing colon cancer by having polyps removed before they turn into cancer."
It was the strong opinion of the expert panel that colon cancer prevention should be the primary goal of colorectal cancer screening, so the guidelines state a preference for tests designed to detect both early cancer and adenomatous polyps, as long as resources are available and patients are willing to undergo an invasive test. "This is the first time that a guideline from the American Cancer Society will express a strong preference for tests that can identify both polyps and cancer and lead to cancer prevention," noted David A. Lieberman, M.D., on behalf of the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. "We feel strongly that this will help consumers make decisions that can, quite literally, save their lives."
The panel recognized that some patients will not want to undergo an invasive test that requires a bowel prep, may prefer to have screening in the privacy of their home, or may not have access to the invasive tests due to lack of coverage or local resources, so will opt for stool occult blood or DNA testing, which can be performed at home, without bowel prep. But the panel said providers and patients should understand that those tests are less likely to prevent cancer compared with the invasive tests; they must be repeated at regular intervals to be effective; and if the test is abnormal, an invasive test (colonoscopy) will still be needed.
"The addition of these new technologies can potentially encourage many more people to choose to be screened for colorectal cancer," said Arl Van Moore, M.D., FACR, chair of the American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors. "This could result in early detection of the disease for more patients, increasing the chance of successful treatment, and potentially reduce colorectal cancer deaths nationwide."
American Cancer Society
Colorectal Cancer Current Events and Colorectal Cancer News RSS'Cross-talk' mechanism contributes to colorectal cancer
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health have identified a molecular mechanism that allows two powerful signaling pathways to interact and begin a process leading to colorectal tumors.
African-Americans with colorectal cancer have poorer outcomes, lower survival rates
New research published in the November issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that African-American patients with colorectal cancer are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease and are less likely to undergo surgical procedures compared with Caucasians, suggesting that improvements in screening and rates of operation may reduce differences in colorectal cancer outcomes for African-Americans.
Colon cancer screening more effective earlier in day, UCLA study finds
The effectiveness of a screening colonoscopy may depend on the time of day it is performed. According to a new UCLA study, early-morning colonoscopies yielded more polyps per patient than later screenings, and fewer polyps were found hour by hour as the day progressed.
1 disease, not 1 demographic
The Asian continent has nearly four billion people living in 47 different countries, and each of these groups has their own unique set of health issues. But when they come to the United States, they're often lumped into one large demographic: "Asian/Pacific Islander."
Study shows unsedated colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening well accepted by patients
Researchers from Taiwan report in a new study that unsedated colonoscopy for primary colorectal cancer screening is well accepted in a majority of patients.
M. D. Anderson redefines screening guidelines for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers
Drawing on years of experience in cancer research and patient care, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center released today the most comprehensive, risk-based screening guidelines publicly available to date for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers.
The bowels of infection
Current research suggests that latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The related report by Onyeagocha et al, "Latent cytomegalovirus infection exacerbates experimental colitis," appears in the November 2009 issue of The American Journal of Pathology.
How to Lower Costs, Waiting Times for Colonoscopies
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, leading to over 50,000 fatalities every year.
Excess body weight causes over 124,000 new cancers a year in Europe
At least 124,000 new cancers in 2008 in Europe may have been caused by excess body weight, according to estimates from a new modelling study.
Adding cetuximab to chemotherapy reduces advanced lung cancer death risk by 13 percent
Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who are given cetuximab (Erbitux) in addition to chemotherapy are 13% less likely to die than those who receive chemotherapy alone, regardless of which chemotherapy drug cocktail is used, new research finds. They also experience slower disease progression and an increased chance of tumour shrinkage.
More Colorectal Cancer Current Events and Colorectal Cancer News Articles
 |
American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer by American Cancer Society (Author) Don't die of embarrassment--get informed about colorectal cancer Although colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women, you may be unaware of your risk and don't know what you can do to prevent this serious disease. You may be too embarrassed to ask your doctor about changes in your bowel habits or get screened for colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer provides sound information and support if you are concerned about or diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Written by experts in oncology, nursing, research, and colorectal cancer care, the up-to-date, evidence-based text explores every aspect of colorectal cancer, from physical to emotional aspects of the disease, including: What colorectal... |
 |
Be a Survivor: Colorectal Cancer Treatment Guide by Vladimir Lange (Author) Dr. Lange’s comprehensive overview of cancer and treatment options offers detailed information using simple, concise language and a wide variety of color photos and drawings. Colorectal cancer patients need to know more about their disease, yet there is an overload of information. Be a Survivor gives the patient the specific, reliable and necessary information to make good decisions about their cancer and treatment options. Annually, 150,000 Americans are told they have colorectal cancer, making it one of the top three most common cancers in the United States. Diagnosed early, colorectal cancer is treatable, often curable, and vey preventable. This resource covers all aspects of colorectal cancer—from diagnosis to recovery, including a chapter for the patient's spouse. |
|
Progress in Colorectal Cancer by Mediscript | |
 |
New Tests, Treatments: Better Outcome for Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S. Advances in imaging, genetics, molecular diagnostics, surgical techniques and chemotherapy are now making significant gains in our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat this serious disease. Dr. Fisher reviews some of these recent successes and shares a vision of future care based on current research. |
 |
First Check Home ColoCheck Home Test, Colorectal Disease, 1 Test (Pack of 2) by First Check A First Check at 50 product. No specimen handling. No diet restrictions. FDA cleared. Fast. Accurate. Simple. A home test for the early warning signs of Colorectal Disease. Results in minutes. Early detection is key. First Check ColoCheck provides informa |
|
Screening for Colorectal Cancer: An Easy Step to Save Your Life (Three Real Patient Stories) Also With: American Digestive Health Foundation (Producer), Chuck Peet (Host) | |
 |
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Colorectal Cancer Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Colorectal Cancer Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Colorectal Cancer Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
 |
Beating Colorectal Cancer Together Long Sleeve T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Understanding Colorectal Cancer Anatomical Chart (Laminated) by Anatomical Chart Company Understanding Colorectal Cancer Anatomical Chart defines colorectal cancer and shows colorectal anatomy with the following pathologies: * Adenocarcinoma of colon * Circumferential carcinoma of the transverse colon * Colonic polyps * Adenocarcinoma of jejunum * Adenocarcinoma of the rectosigmoid region The chart describes risk factors, signs and symptoms, screening and diagnostic tests, and treatment options, and illustrates and explains the stages of cancer. |
 |
Beating Colorectal Cancer Together Keychain by Design a Product LLC Text on keychain: Beating Colorectal Cancer Together * Durable acrylic key chain is crystal-clear and double-sided so the artwork or message is seen twice. * Sturdy metal ring holds your keys securely. * Full color printed images or messages are included. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom keychains please contact us. * Size: 2 1/8" x 3 1/2" (Approx. business card) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |