he incidence of colorectal cancer has declined in recent years, thanks to increased screening for the disease. However, many Americans haven’t gotten the message about screening. An estimated 148,800 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2008 and nearly 50,000 will die from the preventable disease.

There are a number of options for screening – stool blood test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, CT colonography (or “virtual colonoscopy”) – and some confusion about which test is best. Everyone age 50 and older should talk with their doctor to determine which test is right for them.

The most important message to share this month, and any time, is Get Screened. Screening for colorectal cancer saves lives.

Resources available from the AGA:
• Top-5 recent research studies about colorectal cancer prevention
• Experts to discuss a range of topics from new technologies to special populations (see below)
• Report on CRC screening coverage legislation by state
• Online “Find a GI” search for patients to connect with doctors in their area

EXPERTS AVAILABLE

Special considerations for special populations
• African American – Joanne Wilson, MD, AGAF, Duke University
• Hispanic – Marcia Cruz-Correa, MD, University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Women – Carla Ginsburg, MD, MPH, AGAF, Harvard Medical School
Linda Lee, MD, AGAF, Johns Hopkins Medical Institute

New research illuminates prevention, screening strategies
• Robert Sandler, MD, MPH, AGAF, President-Elect, American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Lisa Gangarosa, MD, AGAF, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

How does diet affect colorectal cancer?
• Robert Sandler, MD, MPH, AGAF, President-Elect, American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute; University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Virtual colonoscopy – What patients need to know
• Don Rockey, MD, AGAF, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Do current policies support colorectal cancer screening?
• Lisa Gangarosa, MD, AGAF, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Source: American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)