Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare | Health Scene | Winter 2019

A rise in rates of colorectal cancer among young and middle-aged adults has spurred the American Cancer Society (ACS) to change its guidelines for when people should start screening for the disease. The ACS now recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45, five years earlier than the previous recommendation of 50. People who are at increased risk for the cancer may want to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45 or be screened more often. WHAT PROMPTED THE CHANGE? A study led by the ACS and published earlier this year found that, overall, rates of new colorectal cancer cases in the U.S. have been dropping since the mid-1980s. The decline has been even steeper during the past decade—for which the ACS credits screening tests. Some screening tests, such as colonoscopies, can find and remove suspicious growths before they have a chance to become cancer. However, the decline in rates of newly diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer has been led by older adults. Incidence rates have actually been rising for adults younger than 50. In addition, the ACS study found that people younger than 55 are more likely than older people to be diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer.The study’s authors theorized that younger people are delaying diagnosis because they don’t recognize symptoms of the disease. According to the ACS, the most common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer include: ●  ● A change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days ●  ● A feeling like you need to have a bowel movement that isn’t relieved when you do have one ●  ● Rectal bleeding ●  ● Dark stools or blood in the stool ●  ● Cramping or abdominal pain ●  ● Weakness and fatigue ●  ● Weight loss for no known reason CHECK YOUR INSURANCE There are multiple screening tests available for colorectal cancer, including noninvasive stool tests.The new guidelines from the ACS don’t endorse a particular test, but they do stress regular screening and they recommend a follow-up with a colonoscopy if the results from another test are suspicious. The new ACS guidelines don’t quite match up with those of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which still recommends screening for colorectal cancer at age 50. Many insurance providers offer coverage based on the Task Force’s recommendations, so check your coverage in advance of any testing. Staying well WINTER 2019 3 New guidelines for colorectal cancer screening Knowledge is power Sources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health Body: breaking out in a cold sweat; fatigue or weakness Shoulders or arms: pain or discomfort in one or both Back: pain or discomfort Head: dizziness; light-headedness Lungs: shortness of breath; coughing Chest: pain or discomfort Call 911 if you’re having symptoms of a heart attack. Learn to spot symptoms of a heart attack You could have one or more of these: Stomach: pain or discomfort; nausea; vomiting Neck or jaw: pain or discomfort Know before you go Take our colorectal cancer risk assessment at gvmh.org/coloncancer . Please talk with your provider about your risks and screening options available at Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare.