New Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines Still Point to Colonoscopy

Health experts in the U.S. are reiterating advice first given in 2008: people should get screened for colon cancer at age 50, and continue getting screened until they are 75 or older. Colorectal cancer is the #2 cause of cancer death in the U.S., with almost 134,000 diagnoses this year. 49,000 of these cases will die from the disease.

People who need to get screened can choose from a variety of methods – the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not endorse one method over the other. Dr. Douglas Owens, former task force member, encourages people to choose the best option personal to them. All options for colon cancer will assist in early detection and decrease the risk of death. The American Cancer Society recommends a colonoscopy screening once every 10 years. Other testing options may require more frequent intervals.

Many doctors, however, suggest that a colonoscopy is the best test available – and consider it the gold standard for preventative care. Dr. Arun Swaminath, director of the inflammatory bowel disease program at Lenox Hill Hospital, explained colonoscopies as being able to do two things at once: identify cancer/polyps and also remove them from the body.

Other tests, he noted, such as stool tests and DNA tests (i.e. Cologuard), will still require a need for a colonoscopy to treat the problem if the tests come back positive.

The USPSTF analyzed various other methods in order to develop new colon cancer screening recommendations. In addition to colonoscopy, tests included CT colonography, which scans the colon, fecal blood tests that look for blood in stool, and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Cologuard, a DNA-based stool test, was also included as it’s been recently approved. Panelists advised that each method has pros and cons, and no comparison studies have taken place to prove or disprove effectiveness of one method over another. The new guidelines are recommended for people older than age 50, with a normal colorectal cancer risk. Those with medical histories that have increased their risks may need to be screened more often.

Elderly patients have different guidelines. The panelists suggest that adults over age 76 are at a greater risk for harm and may not benefit from screenings. However, if someone in this age group is healthy and has never been screened before, a screening is suggested. Elderly people should consult their doctors for a consultation.