The American Gastroenterological Association issued a statement in support of the American Cancer Society's updated colorectal cancer guideline, suggesting individuals begin getting screened for CRC at 45.
Here's what you should know:
1. AGA President-Elect David Lieberman, MD, issued the statement.
2. He said while the ACS' recommendation was made on modeling, the gastroenterology community must work on analyzing outcomes to see which patients will benefit most from earlier screening.
3. Dr. Lieberman recommended patients 45 years or older should talk to their physician about what is right for them.
4. He said, "Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Identifying colorectal cancer early through screening leads to easier treatments and higher survival rates. With colorectal cancer rates rising in people younger than age 50, it is appropriate to consider beginning routine screening at age 45, as recommended this week in new colorectal cancer guidelines from the American Cancer Society."