Recent studies have highlighted a rising incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in individuals younger
than age 50 in the United States.
While CRC incidence has shown continued decline in those 50 and older, the incidence rates have doubled in 20- to 49-year-olds.
It has been estimated that persons born around 1990 have twice the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born around 1950.
Age to Initiate Screening
In March 2021, The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) issued updated evidence based screening guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the March issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology that recommend all average risk individuals begin screening at age 45. The ACG has recommended that African Americans begin screening at age 45 since 2005 Read the Guidelines OPEN ACCESS TO THE FULL REPORT HEREFor people at increased or high risk
People at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer might need to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45, be screened more often, and/or get specific tests. This includes people with:- A strong family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- A known family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
- A personal history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer
Why is Colorectal cancer rising in Younger People?
Since the mid-’90s, cases among people under 50 have increased by about 50%. It’s one of the deadliest cancers in this age group. Statistically, people in their 20s and 30s are much less likely to get colorectal cancer compared to people 50 and older, but cases in this age group are rising. They’re expected to increase by 90% by 2030, says Dr Kimmie Ng who directs the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana Farber Cancer Center. Ng says researchers are evaluating a range of factors that could be fueling the rise in colon cancer, everything from the- lack of vitamin D
- role of the microbiome
- effect of high red meat consumption
- consumption of lots of ultra-processed foods — including processed meats, sweets, carbonated soft drinks and ready-to-eat meals.
- role of diet overall.
FDA Approves New Blood Test for Colon Cancer (Updated 2024)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new blood test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening for adults ages 45 and older who are at average risk for the disease. The approval of Guardant Health’s “Shield” test marks the first time that a blood test has been recognized by the FDA as a primary screening option for CRC, offering a noninvasive alternative to traditional methods such as colonoscopies and stool-based tests, according to the statement. The test isn’t meant to replace colonoscopies, but is generating enthusiasm among doctors who say it has the potential to boost the dismal rate of screenings for the second highest cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Shield has previously been available to doctors as a screening tool, at an out-of-pocket cost of $895. With the FDA approval, Medicare and private insurance companies are much more likely to cover the cost of the blood test, making it more widely accessible for patients. It’s most effective in finding later-stage cancers, when tumors release more of that DNA. The study found that Shield only detected 13% of earlier-stage polyps. Many people avoid traditional screening methods because of their invasive and unpleasant nature. A major clinical trial, the ECLIPSE study, demonstrated that the Shield test has an 83 percent sensitivity for detecting CRC and a 90 percent specificity for advanced neoplasia, according to the company. The results are comparable to those of other noninvasive screening methods currently recommended by guidelines, according to the statement. NOTE : a positive Shield test requires a colonoscopy to confirm that you have an advanced lesion or colorectal cancer, or that the results were false Guardant Health must make sure that consumers are aware that the blood test is not equivalent to a colonoscopy in its ability to detect and remove benign polyps before they can become cancerous.DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not designed to replace or take the place of any form of medical or professional advice; and is not meant to replace the need for independent medical, financial, legal or other professional advice or services, as may be required.
