The Future of Colorectal Cancer Screening
In addition to these advances in colonoscopy, the field is interested in increasing screening rates. Research shows that about 5% of the population has a lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer. Currently, screening colonoscopy is the standard of practice for effective colon screening of average-risk patients older than 50 years.
Although colonoscopy remains the gold standard, new concepts for risk stratification are emerging, such as enhanced blood or stool tests and improved imaging techniques. In the future, these may allow us to identify individuals at higher or lower risk for colorectal cancer. Molecular screening technologies are advancing. New tests may improve or augment the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), a familiar screening tool, whereas stool-based DNA testing is waiting for approval.
As with all screening tests, higher sensitivity is the goal. We must be sure that these other screening tests capture all patients who need the proven detection and prevention of colonoscopy. Colonoscopy's value lies in our ability to actually prevent cancer by removing precancerous polyps at the time of the procedure.
The wealth of all of this research reinforces the value of colonoscopy screening. With nearly 137,000 people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and the cost of treating advanced colorectal cancer at more than $250,000 per patient, we can't afford not to ensure quality screenings by continually pushing ourselves to provide the best, most cost-effective care to patients.