Why does screening start at the age of 45?

Dr. Mitchell Kang is a board-certified gastroenterologist at Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. He sees patients at Kaiser He Permanente Caton Hill Medical Center.

A few years ago, doctors told patients over the age of 50 that they should be tested for colon cancer.

Right now, we’re telling patients over 45 to get screened.

What is the reason for the change?

Although the overall incidence of colon cancer is decreasing, the incidence among people under age 55 is increasing. With the goal of preventing cancer before it occurs, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Currently, it is recommended that people at average risk of developing colon cancer get tested starting at age 45.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.As board certified gastroenterologistWe would like to take this opportunity to educate people about the symptoms of colorectal cancer and encourage them to undergo screening.

Colorectal cancer statistics

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women worldwide. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for 52,500 deaths annually. National Cancer Institute.

Approximately 153,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States last year, representing nearly 8 percent of all new cancer cases.

Also note that more than 15 percent of new infections are in people aged 45 to 54.

Colorectal cancer screening

I strongly believe that early detection saves lives. The five-year survival rate is 91% if treated before the cancer spreads, but only about 13% if the cancer affects other parts of the body.

Most cases of colorectal cancer start as precancerous polyps, or small growths, called adenomas. Less than 10 percent of these polyps turn into cancer. This process is slow and often takes about 10 years.

There are two main ways to screen for colon cancer. Fecal immunochemical test kit and colonoscopy. Patients at average risk for colon cancer can choose her FIT kit as a screening method. This test looks for hidden blood in your stool. It’s a non-invasive way to test for colon cancer without leaving your home. Simply follow the instructions on the kit to collect a stool sample and return it to the lab.

Unlike a colonoscopy, no sedation is required. It’s also a quick and painless test, so many patients are willing to go through with it. Kaiser Permanente patient receives her FIT kit in the mail; kp.org reminders to complete the test. Our centralized electronic medical record alerts physicians to send test kits to patients who meet testing guidelines.

If the FIT kit detects blood in the stool, the patient will be scheduled for a colonoscopy.

If no blood is detected, the test must be repeated the following year.

Colonoscopies have long been the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and can be used to treat patients with precancerous polyps or those who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal polyps or cancer. Recommended for people at high risk of colon cancer. Under 60 years old. A lighted scope is used to look inside the colon.

We understand that many patients are afraid of having a colonoscopy. Bowel preparation is not fun. Colonoscopies can be scary because they are invasive. People are concerned about possible complications from sedation. However, complications are extremely rare. Colonoscopies truly save lives. When a gastroenterologist performs a colonoscopy, polyps can be removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer. A colonoscopy can also detect other gastrointestinal problems at an early stage.

If the colonoscopy results are clear (depending on your risk factors), you probably won’t need to repeat the test for 10 years.

Talk to your doctor about which screening method is best for you and at what age to start screening.

Early detection leads to better outcomes. At Kaiser Permanente, One of the highest colorectal cancer screening rates in Japan: 76 percent of eligible patients are screened, compared to the national average of 57 percent. If everyone was screened for colorectal cancer at the same rate as Kaiser Permanente, an estimated 7,800 lives could be saved each year.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer often does not cause symptoms until it has spread. That’s why early detection is so important. Symptoms of colon cancer include:

• persistent abdominal pain;
• I wake up in the middle of the night with stomach pain.
• Unintentional and unexplained weight loss.
• There is blood in the stool.
• Changes in bowel habits.
• Iron deficiency.

Consult your doctor if you have these symptoms.

Colorectal cancer risk factors

Risk factors for colorectal cancer fall into two broad categories. What can be changed and what cannot be changed.

Risk factors that cannot be changed include:

• family history. People who have a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, especially if the family member was diagnosed before age 60. People who have more than one distant relative with colorectal cancer also have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
• Inherited genetic changesLynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis.
• Year. Generally, the risk increases as you get older.
• People who have had polyps before It is removed during a colonoscopy.

Risk factors that can be modified:

• smoking. Smoking increases your risk of developing polyps.
• Eat red meat.
• Drinking too much alcohol, especially 4 or more drinks in a day. It is also known that drinking even two drinks a day increases the risk of developing polyps.

People at high risk may need to start screening for colorectal cancer at a younger age and/or more frequently. To lower your risk, stop smoking, minimize alcohol intake, exercise regularly, and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

conclusion: Colon cancer is a disease that is largely preventable through regular checkups. If you are eligible for a screening, please make a reservation. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please consult your doctor. Screening saves lives.

Featured image, stock.adobe.com

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