The Colon Cancer Alliance Applauds New American College of Physicians Colorectal Screening Guidelines

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Colon Cancer Alliance applauds the new colorectal cancer screening guidelines issued today by the American College of Physicians (ACP). The new guidelines suggest that physicians perform an individualized assessment of the risk for colorectal cancer in all adults.

"We are thrilled to see a major medical society take the bold step of lowering the recommended screening age for those at higher risk of colorectal cancer. We have been seeing a trend at the Colon Cancer Alliance of many people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who are battling advanced staged cancer," said Andrew Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer of the Colon Cancer Alliance. "The reason these young people are being diagnosed at the later stages of the disease, when treatment is more difficult, is because doctors are not thinking about colorectal cancer in younger people even when they have symptoms. As a result, the diagnosis is delayed for a substantial period of time, which can significantly decrease the chances of successfully battling the disease. We are thrilled the largest medical specialty organization for physicians is now recognizing this unmet need in the under 50 community and hope other physician organizations will follow. The only disappointing part of the guidance is not including a recommendation for virtual colonoscopy as a screening tool. Recent studies of this screening test have proven it is a highly effective option for patients who can't or won't have a traditional colonoscopy."

Like other guidelines, the ACP suggests that screening for average risk adults begin at age 50. However, the ACP recommends that adults at higher risk should start screening at age 40 or 10 years younger than the age at which the youngest affected relative was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Risk factors include increasing age, personal family history of the colorectal cancer or polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and race. African Americans have the highest incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer.

The Colon Cancer Alliance has seen an alarming number of colorectal cancer patients under the age of 50 over the past decade and has planned a medical symposium to address this issue on July 20, 2012 in Baltimore. The symposium, which offers CME credits to healthcare providers, is entitled: Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis Under 50: Trends and Implications for the Future. Registration is now open and people can register at www.ccalliance.org.

The Colon Cancer Alliance is the nation's leading colon cancer patient advocacy organization dedicated to the prevention and survivorship of this disease. It provides a variety of support, education and awareness programs throughout the year for patients, survivors, caregivers and the general public.

Contact:
Bill Bradley
bbradley@ccalliance.org
916-213-5230