ASGE Annual GI Advanced Practice Provider Course (Virtual) - Day Two | April 2022-25_Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests

25_Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests - Vicari

Pdf Summary

The document discusses colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, the rising rates of colon cancer in younger patients, and various screening modalities. It highlights the success of colonoscopy in detecting and preventing colon cancer, but also acknowledges the barriers to screening that exist, such as lack of access, cost, and patient reluctance. It emphasizes the importance of screening for average-risk patients, especially those with a family history of colon cancer or advanced polyps. <br /><br />The document mentions the option of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) as a less invasive and lower cost screening option. It explains that FIT tests for hemoglobin in the stool and should be done yearly. It also introduces FIT-fecal DNA (Cologuard), which combines FIT and methylation markers and is intended for average-risk patients aged 45-85. However, it notes that FIT-fecal DNA has limitations, including its lower sensitivity for detecting colon cancer and polyps compared to colonoscopy.<br /><br />The document concludes by emphasizing the importance of any screening over no screening and reiterates that colonoscopy remains the only test that can prevent cancer throughout the entire colon. It recommends starting colonoscopy at age 45 and suggests FIT testing as an alternative for patients who refuse colonoscopy. It notes that FIT-fecal DNA is an important alternative test but highlights its limitations. Overall, the document stresses the need for increased screening rates and suggests a guideline-based approach to CRC screening.

Keywords

colorectal cancer screening

rising rates

colon cancer

younger patients

screening modalities

colonoscopy

barriers to screening

FIT

Cologuard

guideline-based approach