Navigating Patient Histories, Risk Factor Conversations in CRC Screening

This portion of our 5-part peer-to-peer discussion on the importance of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening focuses on navigating conversations about risk factors and symptoms surrounding CRC.

In this video, our moderator Michael Sapienza is joined by Frank Colangelo, MD, Gursimran Kochhar, MD, and Thomas Imperiale, MD, as the experts discuss the importance of making patients aware of the updated guideline recommending screening starting at 45 years of age, additionally highlighting the importance of recognizing risk factors and monitoring symptoms that may warrant testing.

Sapienza introduces the topic and inquires about how the experts are navigating these conversations with patients. In his response, Colangelo describes using lead-time messaging in average-risk patients without symptoms and without a family history in order to prepare them for screening when they reach the recommended age. Kocchar indicates his reliance on chronic symptoms in younger patients to determine their need for testing, while Imperiale stresses the importance of making patients aware of their risk and having conversations to prepare them for screening.

Check out the rest of our discussion:

Part 1: Updates in Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendations

Part 2: Pressing Challenges in Colorectal Cancer Screening

Part 3: Reaching Patients in Need of Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Part 4: Navigating Patient Histories, Risk Factor Conversations in CRC Screening

Part 5: Appropriate Guidance for CRC Screening Age, Role of Advocacy Organizations

Our Experts:

Michael Sapienza, chief executive officer of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the largest colon cancer advocacy group in the country, and member of the American Cancer Society’s National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable steering committee.

Frank Colangelo, MD, an internist, vice president, and chief quality officer for Premier Medical Associates, a large multispecialty group within Allegheny Health Network as well as a member of the American Cancer Society’s National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable steering committee.

Gursimran Kochhar, MD, a gastroenterologist, associate division chief of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and medical director of Endoscopic Innovations at Allegheny Health Network.

Thomas Imperiale, MD, principal investigator of the BLUE-C trial, research scientist at Regenstrief Institute, and Lawrence Lumeng Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Imperiale has no relevant disclosures to report. Colangelo has no disclosures to report. Relevant disclosures for Kochhar include CorEvitas Research, Eli Lilly, Boston Scientific Endoscopy, Olympus Endoscopy, and Pentax Endoscopy. Sapienza has no relevant disclosures to report.