New options for detecting the presence of colorectal cancer, including noninvasive stool tests that detect blood and some tests, such as Cologuard, that detect changes in DNA cells associated with cancer, according to Justin Maykel, M.D. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard, despite the availability of
“It has definitely been shown to prevent colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Michael. Joseph M. Streeter and Mary Streeter DeFeudis Surgical ChairProfessor of Surgery, Chief of Colorectal Surgery.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended that adults between the ages of 45 and 75 be screened for colorectal cancer in 2021, lowering the previously recommended starting age of 50. A reduction in the incidence of colorectal cancer in that age group. However, the incidence of colon and rectal cancer is increasing in people under the age of 50.
In fact, one in 10 colorectal cancer patients seen at UMass Memorial Health is under the age of 50, says Maykel. Also, when people under the age of 50 get cancer, the cancer tends to grow more rapidly and be more aggressive.
Colonoscopy, which involves inserting a thin, flexible endoscope through the rectum and colon, can not only detect cancer, but can also detect and remove precancerous polyps, Maykel said. says. A stool test does not have that preventative ability.
“Despite the fact that colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, we estimate that more than 90 percent are preventable,” he said.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death. However, stage I cancer has a survival rate of over 90%, so early detection is important.
Maykel refuted a recently published paper. New England Journal of Medicine It suggests that the benefits of undergoing colonoscopy are unclear, calling the study “poorly designed.”
The study compared the incidence of colorectal cancer in people who underwent colonoscopy with a control group who did not undergo colonoscopy. However, only about 40% actually offered a colonoscopy. received one.
“Basically, the conclusion of this study is that we need to do a better job of educating and persuading people to get screened,” Maykel said.
The hurdle for many is preparing for the test. This includes fasting and clearing the bowels so that the lining of the colon is visible. Another is the fear of finding cancer. The procedure itself, which is performed under sedation, is “really easy and low risk,” Meikel said.
UMass Chan doctors also report that screening rates vary by socioeconomic background and ethnicity.
Maykel and his colleagues began an effort to educate UMass Chan and UMass Memorial Health employees of all professions about the importance of colorectal screening.
“We’ve had a lot of success getting employees to sign up to get screened, and we’ve identified a number of employees with precancerous polyps,” he said. One patient was confirmed to have early-stage colon cancer through
Dr. Meikel urged anyone with symptoms related to colorectal cancer to tell their healthcare provider and get a colonoscopy. Unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, etc.
Science for Living features the expert perspectives of UMass Chan Medical School on the research behind health news headlines. If you have an idea for a topic you’d like us to cover, [email protected].
Related UMass Chan news articles:
UMass Medical School Researchers Strengthen COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Research
2019 Ordination Ceremony Honors Four Nominated Professors and Their Benefactors
