Why is the sDNA re-testing interval described as “uncertain”?
There are currently no observational data upon which to base a recommendation for appropriate screening intervals. Although the manufacturer of the currently available commercial test recommends a 5-year interval for routine screening, such an interval was judged by the committee to be appropriate only for a test that has very high sensitivity for both cancer and adenomatous polyps – a standard that has not
Why is CT colonography now recommended?
Recent data suggest CTC is comparable to optical colonoscopy for the detection of cancer and polyps of significant size when state-of-the-art techniques are applied. Provided that advanced, proven techniques are employed in the clinical setting, CTC is included in the guidelines as an option for colorectal cancer screening and prevention in average-risk adults age 50 years and older.
What are CT colongraphy’s strengths and limitations?
CTC provides a time efficient procedure with minimal invasiveness. No sedation or recovery time is required, nor is a chaperone needed to provide transportation after the procedure. Time permitting, patients can return to work on the same day. Several limitations of CTC exist. Since it is an “image-only” test, patients with polyps of significant size will require colonoscopy to remove the polyps. CTC also
How expensive are the tests recommended in the guidelines? Are they covered by insurance?
Costs of these different tests vary widely based not only on the type of test but also other fees (e.g.: administration fees, office visit, etc.).With the exception of the newly added tests – CTC and sDNA – Medicare and most insurers already cover most or all colorectal cancer screening tests. Based on the recommendations from this multi-organizational panel and those of other organizations it
What is the American Cancer Society doing to increase access to colorectal cancer screening?
The recommendations from this multi-organizational panel and those of other organizations are likely to lead to additional test coverage by Medicare and most insurers, contributing to greater access to colorectal cancer screening tests. In support of the Society’s efforts to reduce colon cancer incidence and mortality, its sister advocacy organization, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates at the state and federal
How will these guidelines help reduce deaths from colorectal cancer?
Screening of average risk individuals can reduce colorectal cancer mortality by detecting cancer at an early curable stage, and by detecting and removing advanced neoplasia. No screening test is perfect – either for cancer detection or polyp detection. Each test has advantages, limitations and risks. Patient preferences and availability of resources play an important role in the selection of screening tests. This update of
What is the history behind these guidelines?
Beginning in 1980, the American Cancer Society first issued formal guidelines for colorectal cancer screening in average risk adults. Since then, the Society has periodically updated its colorectal cancer guidelines, and other organizations also have issued recommendations for colorectal cancer screening, most notably the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer (USMSTF; comprised of the American College