The ISMA is encouraging members to join a national effort to save lives by educating patients about the risks associated with colorectal cancer and the available screening options. The effort is led by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), which has created educational infographics and other resources to share with patients.

Douglas Rex, MD, ASGE’s immediate past president, noted that more than 30% of U.S. adults are not being screened for colon cancer, which has a 90% survival rate when detected early. In addition, most colorectal cancers can be prevented through polyp removal during a colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer screening is recommended to begin at 45 years of age and screening options include colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and MT-sDNA (Cologuard).

“It is crucial for physicians to help their patients understand which colorectal cancer screening option is appropriate for them, keeping in mind that this can vary for each individual based on their history and risk factors,” Dr. Rex said.

According to Dr. Rex, “Colonoscopy can be used to screen high- and average-risk patients, meaning patients with no history of precancerous colorectal polyps or cancer, or who have no symptoms. For those who have had previous colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps, “surveillance colonoscopy” is the only appropriate tool to monitor the patient and prevent cancer. The same is true for patients with colorectal symptoms, who should only be evaluated by colonoscopy.”

“For asymptomatic average-risk patients undergoing screening, stool tests are also appropriate options for screening,” he continued. “Average-risk means that age is the only risk factor, and particularly when there is no strong family history of colorectal cancer. For such patients, FIT and MT-sDNA tests can also be used for screening and are an alternative to colonoscopy. These tests aren’t appropriate options for high-risk screening patients, surveillance patients who have a history of adenomatous polyps, sessile serrated polyps or colorectal cancer, or symptomatic patients.”

ASGE recommends that patients of any age who are exhibiting symptoms (e.g., rectal bleeding, anemia, a change in bowel habits, persistent abdominal pain, or unintentional weight loss) or who are high-risk (e.g., they’ve had a precancerous colorectal polyp or colorectal cancer) or whose family has a strong history of colorectal cancer should talk to their gastroenterologist or primary care physician about the need for colonoscopy.

The ASGE “Colorectal Cancer Screening Appropriate Use” webpage, includes downloadable patient resources, such as a printable poster, patient letter templates for positive and negative test results, and an article that can be submitted to local news sites. 

Physicians can also refer patients here for an easy-to-understand infographic on the appropriate screening test.