Contact: Rachel Shubert
[email protected]
908-510-4685
Bethesda, MD (June 1, 2018) — Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Identifying colorectal cancer early through screening leads to easier treatments and higher survival rates.
With colorectal cancer rates rising in people younger than age 50, it is appropriate to consider beginning routine screening at age 45, as recommended this week in new colorectal cancer guidelines from the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Since patients in this age range have not been previously routinely screened, the ACS recommendation is based on modeling. Now we need to analyze the outcomes of early screening to identify which patients will benefit most.
If you are age 45 or older, talk with your doctor about what’s right for you based on your personal and family medical history.
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This statement is attributable to AGA President-Elect David Lieberman, MD, AGAF, chief, division of gastroenterology, and professor of medicine at Oregon Health and Science University.
To arrange an interview with Dr. Lieberman, please contact Rachel Shubert at [email protected] or 908-510-4685.
View AGA’s patient resources on colorectal cancer in the AGA GI Patient Center.
About the AGA Institute
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to more than 16,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. www.gastro.org.
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