Study: Colorectal Cancer Spread in High Percentage of Patients by Time of Screening

A study conducted by LSU Health found that by the time recommended screening for colorectal cancer begins, the disease has already spread in a high percentage of patients.

The results show that the rate of colorectal cancer incidence increased by 46.1% from 49 to 50 years of age, which is the age recommended to start routine colorectal cancer screening. In addition, 92.9% of colorectal cancer cases diagnosed at age 50 were invasive, meaning the disease was at a localized, regional, or distant stage.

Using data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology & End Results, 18 registries were used to conduct a cross-sectional study of colorectal cancer incidience rates from January 1, 2000, to December 13, 2015. The study was done in 1-year age increments (aged 30 to 60 years old) and was stratified by US region (South, West, Northeast, and Midwest), sex, race, disease stage, and tumor location.

The statistical analysis was conducted from November 1, 2018 to December 15, 2019. The researchers found steep increases in the incidence of colorectal cancers from 49 to 50 years of age, and the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening to begin at age 50.

Xiao-Cheng Wu, professor and director of the Louisiana Tumor Registry at LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health, said in a prepared statement that this study provides useful evidence for improving colorectal cancer screening policy.

REFERENCE

LSU Health LA tumor registry and NCI data show advanced colorectal cancers at recommended screening age. LSU Health. https://www.lsuhsc.edu/newsroom/LSU%20Health%20LA%20Tumor%20Registry%20and%20NCI%20Data%20Show%20Advanced%20Colorectal%20Cancers%20at%20Recommended%20Screening%20Age%20.html. Published February 4, 2020. Accessed February 5, 2020.