Colorectal Cancer Screening Critical: Top Cause of Cancer Death in Younger People

A new study published in the  Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that colorectal cancer (CRC) is now the leading cause of cancer death of those below 50 years of age. Among the five leading cancer-related deaths, only colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality increased, by 1.1% per year since 2005. People 45-49 years make up fifty percent of diagnoses under 50, so increased screening rates will prevent disease as well as death.

While screening should begin at 45 years of age for the average person, screening should begin earlier if they have risk factors such as family history. Colonoscopy should also be performed at an earlier age for those who have symptoms. ASGE recommends that you ask your patients the following questions:

Do You Have Symptoms or Signs of Colorectal Cancer?

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Persistent abdominal pain
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Anemia

Are You at High-risk?

  • Family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps in a first degree relative diagnosed before age 60
  • Multiple first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps
  • Family history of inherited colorectal cancer syndrome
  • Previous diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

For more resources, visit ASGE’s Know Your Risk page and details about the value of colonoscopy.


About Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures allow the gastroenterologist to visually inspect the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach and duodenum) and the lower bowel (colon and rectum) through an endoscope, a thin, flexible device with a lighted end and a powerful lens system. Endoscopy has been a major advance in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. For example, the use of endoscopes allows the detection of ulcers, cancers, polyps and sites of internal bleeding. Through endoscopy, tissue samples (biopsies) may be obtained, areas of blockage can be opened and active bleeding can be stopped. Polyps in the colon can be removed, which has been shown to prevent colon cancer.

About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with almost 17,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit Asge.org and ValueOfColonoscopy.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area.

 

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
3300 Woodcreek Drive Downers Grove, IL 60515
P (630) 573-0600
F (630) 963-8332

Media Contact

Andrea Lee
Director of Marketing and Communications
630.570.5603
ALee@asge.org