As Colorectal Rates Spike In Younger People, American Cancer Society Now Recommends Screenings Starting At Age 45
The prominent cancer organization changes its guidelines to encourage Americans to undergo colorectal cancer screening starting at 45 instead of waiting until 50. Since 1994, there has been a 51 percent increase in the rate of the disease among those younger than 50, and the death rate also has started to rise.
The New York Times:
Cancer Group Calls For Colorectal Cancer Screening Starting At Age 45
A prominent cancer organization is for the first time recommending Americans initiate colorectal cancer screening at age 45 instead of waiting until age 50, a threshold long endorsed by many other medical groups. The new guidelines, from the American Cancer Society, would extend routine colorectal cancer screening to an additional 22 million American adults between the ages of 45 and 49 and send a clear message that colorectal cancer, which has been rising in young adults, is no longer just a disease of older people. (Rabin, 5/30)
NPR:
Colorectal Cancer Screening Should Start Earlier, American Cancer Society Says
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, most frequently diagnosed among adults over 65. To catch those typically slow-growing malignancies early, when they can often be cured, most doctors' groups recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 50. But the American Cancer Society this week changed its advice and is recommending that screening start five years earlier. (Neighmond, 5/30)
In other cancer news —
The Philadelphia Inquirer:
Blue Cross Data Shows Rise In Melanoma Rates Among The Insured
Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is on the rise with rates up about 7 percent in the last four years, and the condition is more prevalent among older men than women, according to data collected on millions of Americans with private health insurance. The findings come from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Index, which gathers medical claims data from 41 million insured members up to age 64. (Schaefer, 5/31)
NPR:
Can Artificial Intelligence Diagnose Cancer?
Artificial intelligence, which is bringing us everything from self-driving cars to personalized ads on the web, is also invading the world of medicine. In radiology, this technology is increasingly helping doctors in their jobs. A computer program that assists doctors in diagnosing strokes garnered approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this year. Another that helps doctors diagnose broken wrists in x-ray images won FDA approval on May 24th. (Harris, 5/31)