19/05/2014
Colon Cancer Rates Decline, Highlighting Role of Screening
Colon cancer rates have dropped by as much as 30% for adults aged 50 and older in the U.S., according to the latest statistics published by the American Cancer Society (ACS). The report is based on data from several national programs and registries. While more needs to be done to ensure widespread access to screening, the new data suggest that improved use of colonoscopy, in particular among people 50 to 75 years of age, has contributed to lowering colorectal cancer rates.
During the decade 2001-2010, overall incidence of new cases decreased by approximately 3% per year, with the largest drops among adults 65 and older. According to the ACS report, "the dramatic declines in colorectal cancer incidence over the past decade have been attributed to the widespread uptake of colonoscopy screening, which increased from 19% in 2000 to 55% in 2010 among adults aged 50 to 75 years." Colon cancer death rates decreased by a similar rate, about 3% per year, among both men and women during the same time period.
Colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon cancer, is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the U.S., says the ACS. Based on the most recent analysis, over 70,000 men and 65,000 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2014 and approximately 26,000 men and 24,000 women will die of the disease. While the exact cause is not known, risk appears to be associated with certain genetic, dietary, and lifestyle factors. It is both preventable and treatable if detected early, and studies have shown that regular screening could prevent one-third of colorectal cancer deaths in this country.
Current guidelines by several health organizations recommend universal screening of people at average risk beginning at age 50. For those with one or more risk factors for colon cancer, the recommendations are for earlier, more aggressive and more frequent screening.
Advice on the type of tests and frequency of screening vary somewhat, but most of these groups agree that colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are the preferred methods of screening. They can help prevent cancer by finding pre-cancerous polyps so they can be removed before they develop into cancer. Other methods only detect cancer after it has developed. [For more on screening recommendations, including risk factors and types of tests used, see Screening Tests For Adults 50 and Up: Colorectal cancer.]
