American Cancer Society Advocates for Blood Screening in Colorectal Cancer Detection
American Cancer Society recommends blood screening for colorectal cancer
Global News
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The American Cancer Society now recommends blood-based screening tests for colorectal cancer for adults aged 45 and older who are at average risk and have not undergone visual exams or stool tests. This change aims to increase screening participation amid rising colorectal cancer cases.
- 01Colorectal cancer is projected to account for 47% of new cancer cases in Canada by 2026.
- 02Blood tests are seen as a less invasive alternative to colonoscopies, which require significant preparation and time.
- 03P.E.I. has lowered the colorectal cancer screening age to 45, with Ontario and Nunavut considering similar changes.
- 04Research suggests that starting screening at age 45 could reduce colorectal cancer cases by over 15,000 and deaths by 6,100 over 45 years.
- 05The Canadian Cancer Society recommends stool tests every two years for those aged 45 to 74 at average risk.
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The American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines to include blood-based screening tests for colorectal cancer for adults aged 45 and older who are at average risk and have not completed visual exams or stool tests. This recommendation comes in response to increasing colorectal cancer rates, which are expected to represent 47% of new cancer cases in Canada by 2026. Medical professionals, including Dr. Yoo-Joung Ko, emphasize that blood tests can be more convenient for patients compared to traditional colonoscopies, which require extensive preparation. The change aims to encourage more individuals to participate in screening programs. Currently, P.E.I. is the first province to lower the screening age to 45, with Ontario and Nunavut also considering similar adjustments. Research indicates that lowering the screening age could prevent over 15,000 colorectal cancer cases and 6,100 deaths over the next 45 years. The Canadian Cancer Society advises that individuals aged 45 to 74 at average risk should undergo stool tests every two years.
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The recommendation for blood screening could significantly increase participation in colorectal cancer screening programs across Canada.
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