Nearly one in three adults in the US aren’t getting screened for colon cancer as recommended. Yet colon cancer has a 90% survival rate when detected early.
ASGE would like to invite Maryland physicians – especially gastroenterologists and primary care physicians – to join them in this effort to prevent colon cancer. They encourage MedChi members to visit ASGE.org/Screening-Physicians to download and share the patient education resources that are featured on this site, including practice/office posters, patient letters, and articles that can be submitted to local newspapers.
ASGE President Douglas Rex, MD, MASGE, explains, “More than 30 percent of U.S. adults aren’t getting screened for colon cancer and it’s a disease that has a 90 percent survival rate when detected early. Further, most cancers can be prevented through polyp removal at colonoscopy. So, this campaign will save many lives.”
Dr. Rex also stresses that, “It is crucial for physicians to help their patients understand which colorectal cancer screening option is appropriate for them, keeping in mind that this can vary for each individual based on their history and risk factors.”
Today, colorectal cancer screening is recommended to begin at 45 years of age and screening options include colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and MT-sDNA (Cologuard).
ASGE recommends that patients of any age who are exhibiting symptoms (e.g., rectal bleeding, anemia, a change in bowel habits, persistent abdominal pain, or unintentional weight loss) or who are high-risk (e.g., they’ve had a pre-cancerous colorectal polyp or colorectal cancer) or whose family has a strong history of colorectal cancer should talk to their gastroenterologist or primary care physician about the need for colonoscopy.
Physicians can download ASGE’s ‘Colorectal Cancer Screening Appropriate Use’ resources for physicians here.
Physicians can refer their patients here for an easy-to-understand infographic on the appropriate screening test.
With nearly 15,000 members, ASGE has been the global leader in the GI field for more than 80 years. ASGE empowers its members with the latest information, state-of-the art education, and unparalleled professional resources. Visit www.ASGE.org for additional information.