Prevent Colorectal Cancer
Screening early saves lives
Early stages of colorectal cancer usually present no symptoms. It is highly treatable if detected early. Colonoscopy is the only test to prevent colorectal cancer, with its unique ability to remove polyps before they turn into cancer. It is the only screening test recommended at 10-year intervals, because it’s by far the best test at finding precancerous polyps.
We need to remind patients now, more than ever before, of the importance screening early for colorectal cancer, even in the midst of a pandemic. Routine screening is safe and should not be delayed; colorectal cancer can be prevented and lives saved. Find resources here to support your communication with patients on the importance of early screening and value of various screening methods, particularly for high-risk groups and in underserved communities.
In a win for patients CMS is proposing to expand the regulatory definition of “colorectal cancer screening tests” and waive cost sharing for a necessary follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based screening test. Read more.
Following the release of a Nordic-European Initiative on Colorectal Cancer (NordICC) trial report that was released on October 9 in The New England Journal of Medicine, ASGE reiterates the importance of colonoscopy as the best and proven way to detect and prevent colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer deaths. Read more.
Colonoscopy does not just screen for colorectal cancer it is also a critical strategy for preventing cancer
Colonoscopy reduces cancer rates with removal of polyps before they become cancerous, thereby remaining at stage zero
Promoting the Value of Colonoscopy to Referring Networks and Patients - latest USPSTF guidelines and more
Promoting the Value of Colonoscopy to Your Patients - a webinar recording
Colorectal Screening and Surveillance
Choosing Among Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
Choosing Among Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests (with narration)
Colonoscopy is a safe colorectal cancer prevention test that should not be delayed even in a pandemic
Promoting the Value of Colonoscopy to Your Patients
Guidance for Resuming GI Endoscopy and Practice Operations
Customizable Poster/Flyer - Keeping Endoscopy Patients Safe During COVID-19 and Beyond
Customizable Poster – Safety Information for Endoscopy Patients
Customizable Handout – FAQs for Schedulers
Colonoscopy is critical for high-risk groups
High risks include previous symptoms, prior polyps, ethnicity, age and other factors
2021 USPSTF Guidelines - A Quick Summary
2021 US Preventive Services Task Force colorectal cancer screening recommendations - A Video Summary
Latest 2021 recommendations on colorectal cancer screening from the US Preventive Services Task Force
Colonoscopy evaluates symptoms in individuals younger than recommended screening age
Expanding access to high quality colorectal cancer screening and prevention in underserved communities
Ensuring equity in access to colorectal cancer prevention
GIE: Impact of COVID-19 on colorectal cancer disparities and the way forward
Colonoscopy is the most efficient colorectal cancer prevention test
Colonoscopy is cost efficient, as well as time-efficient – in 10 years, you will need 10 FIT tests but only one colonoscopy, with a total of four colonoscopies in a lifetime for the average patient
Bowel Preparations
Journal Scans
Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE reviewing Inadomi JM, et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 Dec 27.
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable set a goal of achieving 80% adherence to colorectal cancer screening in the U.S. by 2018. No individual state has achieved that level, and most states have adherence rates in the 60% to 70% range. This review examined the evidence regarding what measures are effective in increasing adherence.
Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE reviewing Teramoto A, et al. Gastrointest Endosc 2019 Dec 23.
Experienced colonoscopists know that when a small polyp is encountered during insertion, it is best to remove it immediately, as identifying it during withdrawal is sometimes difficult. In this trial, patients were randomized to either removal of a left-sided lesion <1 cm in size during insertion or saving it for removal during withdrawal; researchers sought to determine whether there are clinical advantages to immediate removal of lesions during insertion.
Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE reviewing Niedermaier T, et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2019 Dec 10.
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) sensitivity for colorectal cancer is often cited at about 80%, using the 20 microgram Hgb/g feces cut-off. However, it is important to know the stage-specific performance because detection of early stages has greater value than detection of late stages. This systematic review and meta-analysis of 44 studies examines the stage-specific sensitivity of FITs.
Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE reviewing May FP, et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 Sep 13.
A recent study examined colorectal screening rates by racial and ethnic groups for the years 2008 to 2016 to determine whether screening rates have improved since the Affordable Care Act was implemented and whether progress has been made toward eradicating racial and ethnic disparities in screening.
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