Colorectal Cancer Screening Project | 2023-August 2023 Multi Org Letter to ACP re CRC Screening

August 2023 Multi Org Letter to ACP re CRC Screening

Pdf Summary

A coalition of organizations in the colorectal cancer (CRC) community has expressed disappointment with the recent preventive CRC screening guidance published by the American College of Physicians (ACP). The guidance conflicts with recommendations from various other organizations, creating confusion among healthcare providers and patients. The coalition argues that there is ample evidence to support starting CRC screening for average-risk patients at age 45, and that the ACP's guidelines limit access to screening and reduce options for patients in the 45-49 age range. They emphasize the importance of consistent messaging to effectively reduce colorectal cancer mortality rates.<br /><br />The coalition consists of numerous advocacy groups, physician organizations, and healthcare associations, including the American College of Gastroenterology, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and Prevent Cancer Foundation, among others. They urge the ACP to reconsider their guidance and align it with the recommendations of the broader colorectal cancer community.<br /><br />The letter mentions that the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently lowered the screening age to 45 in response to the increase in early-age onset colorectal cancer (EAO-CRC). Currently, up to 10% of CRC cases occur in individuals under 50 years old, and it is projected that colorectal cancer will be the leading cause of cancer deaths in people aged 20-49 by 2030.<br /><br />The coalition cites various studies and guidelines that support the starting age of 45 for CRC screening. They assert that the ACP's guidelines will have negative effects on patient participation in preventive screening and emphasize the need for inclusivity and consideration of all screening options.<br /><br />Overall, the coalition calls for consistency and unity in recommendations for colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45, while urging the ACP to update their guidance to align with the broader colorectal cancer community.

Keywords

colorectal cancer

CRC community

preventive screening

American College of Physicians

average-risk patients

screening age

early-age onset colorectal cancer

EAO-CRC

colorectal cancer deaths

recommendations