Millions need colon cancer screening says CDC

Colon cancer is the number one cancer killer among non-smokers

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control reports that 22 million adults aged 50-75 still need to be tested for colorectal cancer. The findings were part of a study carried out by the CDC which focused on screening trends for both breast and colorectal cancer. The good news is that screening for colon cancer has increased by 11%. The bad news, however, is the number of people who still need to be screened.

According to the report, roughly one third of Americans are not getting screened for colon cancer according to CDC guidelines. The guidelines state that “at age 50 and until age 75 (sometimes younger or older, if your doctor recommends it), men and women should have one or more of three tests to check for colon cancer. In particular, adults aged 50–59 years should get screened because their testing rate is so low. The maximum benefit is expected when people in their 50s are informed and start getting tested.” The three suggested tests for colon cancer include the FOBT (stool test), a flexible sigmoidoscopy, or a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy, according to many gastroenterologists, is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening.  Lack of awareness and education, as well as insufficient insurance coverage are cited as possible reasons for the lack of testing. Only 36% of uninsured Americans are up to date with colorectal cancer screening, despite the fact that colon cancer is the number one cancer killer for non-smokers.

To improve screening rates the CDC suggests that organizations can

• Inform people about who should be screened and about test options.
• Explain the benefits of screening for colon cancer.
• Identify groups in the community who are not getting screened.
• Make sure tests are done correctly.
• Work with minority and other hard-to-reach groups to encourage and facilitate screening.
• Identify problems (barriers) that keep people from getting screened.
• Create programs to solve these problems and increase screening such as using “patient navigators.” Patient navigators can guide people through the screening process, making it easier to get screened, learn test results promptly, receive appropriate follow-up care, and find support networks.
• Encourage medical practices, especially those with low screening rates, to remind patients to be screened, track who has been screened, and follow up with patients who have not been screened or who need additional tests or treatment.

If you are 50 years of age and have not been screened, if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, or if you are experiencing symptoms which cause concern, visit the Education page at GetYourRearinGear.com. The Colon Cancer Coalition oversees Get Your Rear in Gear 5K races and events across the country which help raise awareness about the importance of colon cancer screening. Get more information about the events or the organization by visiting GetYourRearinGear.com.

Read more:

• Symptoms that warrant a doctor visit
• Got a Question?  Ask the Doctor and get an answer!
• Ask the Doctor: Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy as a screening option?
• Hereditary cancer 101: What you need to know about inheriting cancer
• Phone reminders increase screening rates