Colon cancer tests should begin earlier in blacks

	Tweet

The American College of Gastroenterology now recommends that Colorectal cancer screening begin at age 45 for African-Americans, instead of age 50, which is recommended for the general population.

Because there are significant differences between blacks and whites in how they are affected by Colorectal cancer, Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal and colleagues at the American College of Gastroenterology extensively reviewed published literature on colorectal cancer screening. They discuss their findings and recommendations in the March issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Research shows that African Americans have higher rates of colorectal cancer than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. Because African Americans also tend to be diagnosed at more advanced stages of the disease and their survival rates are lower than other groups at any cancer stage, the authors recommend that screening begin at age 45.

African Americans also tend to have tumors located higher in the colon. Because these tumors can’t be detected by sigmoidoscopy alone, Agrawal’s team recommends that colonoscopy be considered the preferred screening method for this group.

“Gastroenterologists should play an active role in educating the public and primary care physicians about special issues surrounding colorectal cancer in African Americans,” using culturally sensitive patient education programs, the authors conclude.

SOURCE: American Journal of Gastroenterology, March 2005.

RELATED STORIES:
Data support colorectal screening every 5 years   Low-dose naltrexone (LDN): Tricking the body to heal itself   Scientists put skin cancer cells into endless “coma”   AIDS-related skin cancer down sharply, study finds   Anti skin cancer ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash, Sanguinarine   Children with cancer often use alternative medicine   Obesity drug ‘may fight cancer’   Dogs sniff out bladder cancer   Cancer survivors’ quality of life below the norm   Non-alcoholic beer helps fight cancer, in mice   Arafat doctors rule out cancer   New York judge with cancer makes case for marijuana

Comments

[ + Post Your Own ]

Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Armenian Medical Network's stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.

There are no comments for this entry yet. [ + Comment here + ]