Is the Age 45 Turn as New 50 for Colon Cancer Screening?
Last May the American Cancer Society (ACS) was the first national organization to recommend a routine colon cancer screening at age 45 instead of 50 of adults with an average risk of colorectal cancer. The revised guidelines have been followed by an alarming increase in the rates of younger adults with colorectal cancer and new data showing the life-saving advantages of early testing.
What you may think is the reason for increased colon cancer rate among younger people?
This is the question of the billion dollars, and we continue to seek answers. The increase in the age of this group may be linked to dietary changes, such as increased consumption of sugar and less fiber and routine use of antibiotics, gastroenterologist and researchers believe. Both factors can alter the microbial community of the intestines and contribute to the overall health and metabolism. A link to decreased physical activity can be established. We don't know, but finding it out has become a priority.
Do Most Organizations Agree with It?
Many professional organizations still are evaluating the data; therefore, there is currently no consensus. In 2016, an independent panel assessing the scientific validity of medical screenings, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force established that the benefits of earlier screening have not been adequately established. However, new modeling data that show a life-saving benefit in screening patients at age 45 rather than 50 are taken into account in the latest ACS guidelines.
Is There Any Promising Guideline?
We can provide a simple blood or breathing test to check for precancerous polyps and tumors within five years. Colonoscopy or colon cancer screening is always necessary to confirm results of positive testing and removal of polyps or cancerous tissues, and doctors are optimistic about the dramatically increased screening of colorectal cancer with this new wave of non-invasive technologies.
How to Stay Safe?
Do not smoke. Limit your intake of alcohol. Make your way every day, either to the gym or for regular walks, as many studies have explored that people living inactive lifestyles have more risk. Have colorful vegetables and fruits and control your red and processed meat consumption which is suspected of having a role in colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Data
The colon cancer screening, which can find polyps before they get cancerous, can often prevent colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about starting your screening based on your age and family history. People with average risk should go for screening once they are 50. However, with the increase of colorectal cancer in younger people, the American Cancer Society has recommended starting screening at the age of 45.
As colorectal cancer does not produce symptoms until the disease advances, it is important that people discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each test with their doctor and how often each test is to be performed. In accordance with the following Guidelines, individuals who have one of the following colorectal cancer risks should begin colorectal cancer screening earlier and/or be screened frequently:
Personal history of adenomatous or colorectal cancer
A strong history in the family for the development of colorectal cancer or polyps in first-grade families under 60 or 2 primary-grade parents of any age, for example cancer or polyps. A parent, a sibling or a child is defined as a first-degree relative.
A chronic IBD history
Family history of any inherited colorectal syndrome like FAP, Lynch syndrome and more.
Visit us at Screen the City in OKC for your colonoscopy schedule. We have different colon cancer screening methods and will use the right one on you.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not intend to offer a doctor’s advice and mentions no relationship between any patient and the care provider.
