Cancer of the colon and rectum (commonly called colorectal cancer) is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Regular on-time screenings starting at age 45 for people at average risk remain effective tools in colorectal cancer (CRC) detection and prevention.
An estimated 55 million adults between 45 and 85 are eligible for a colorectal cancer screening in the United States. Yet, recent studies show one-third of Americans are overdue for their screening.
Today, there are several options for colorectal cancer screening. These screening methods include colonoscopy, stool-based tests and a new blood-based screening, approved in July by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“I welcome new (screening) options, because there are certain patients who will not wish to have colonoscopy and also who will be uncomfortable submitting their stool,” said AMSURG Medical Staff Lead Jay Popp, MD, MACG.
Blood Test vs. Other Colorectal Cancer Screenings
In the new CRC blood test, a person’s blood is tested for changes in DNA that could suggest the presence of cancer or precancerous cells in the body.
Dr. Popp noted that this blood test is inferior to some popular stool tests. With this blood test, colorectal cancer is identified 83 percent of the time when it is present.
“Blood and stool tests may be a reasonable option to detect colon cancer, but they perform very poorly when it comes to detecting precancerous polyps,” Dr. Popp added.
The only way to detect precancerous polyps is through colonoscopy, the “gold standard” of colorectal cancer screening.
“Colonoscopy is the only screening test that can not only detect colon cancer but also prevent it,” Dr. Popp said. “Since almost all colon cancers begin as a small growth called a polyp, during screening colonoscopy, these polyps can be identified and removed, thus preventing cancer from developing.”
Yet, many people decline colonoscopy for various reasons.
“Fear of the procedure and fear of what might be found could be a deterrent to some people,” Dr. Popp said. “The test requires a restricted diet the day before and laxative to clean the colon — another reason people may be reluctant to have the test. There could be issues with payment, especially in those who have no health insurance. Other issues include taking time off from work, perhaps obtaining childcare and arranging transportation to and from the procedure.”
Like stool-based screenings, if the blood-based test is positive (abnormal) a person will need a follow-up colonoscopy to determine if cancer or precancerous polyps are present. Follow-ups are recommended within six months following the abnormal test.
Failing to follow up or delaying the colonoscopy may increase your risk of colon cancer and result in an advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis.
When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent.
Consult Your Doctor about Getting Screened for Colon Cancer
Due to the rising number of cases of colon cancer in younger adults, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises that adults undergo a baseline screening for colon cancer at age 45.
“People with a family history of colon cancer, certain hereditary syndromes or a history of inflammatory bowel disease should be screened earlier than age 45 and more frequently,” Dr. Popp said. “Finally, patients with digestive symptoms that may be experienced with CRC should seek medical attention regardless of age.”
Patients should talk to their healthcare provider about which screenings might be good options for them. It is important to note health insurance coverage varies for CRC screening tests, so patients should contact their providers prior to getting screened.
“As is often said, the best screening test is the one that gets done,” said Abbey E. Vandersall, MD, MS, AMSURG Vice President of Quality & Clinical Services. “We need to get more people screened, regardless of the method used. This is a preventable cancer and losing over 50,000 people to this disease annually is unacceptable.”
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Getting screened is critical to detecting and preventing colorectal cancer. Screenings can save your life.
Quality care is available at our surgery centers around the country for your first CRC screening or a follow-up colonoscopy. Call today to make an appointment.