Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Resources from the AGA
Key points
- he incidence of colorectal cancer has declined in recent years, thanks to increased screening for the 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.
- The most important message to share this month, and any time, is Get Screened.
- However, many Americans haven’t gotten the message about screening.
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)
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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