Advances in Colorectal Cancer Screening Strategies in Clinical Practice - Episode 1
Shifting Epidemiology and Risk Factors in Colorectal Cancer
In this episode titled, ‘Shifting Epidemiology and Risk Factors in Colorectal Cancer,’ the moderator introduces the evolving landscape of colorectal cancer screening and highlights the growing importance of early detection.
Welcome back to another HCP Live Peers and Perspectives series. In this episode title, ‘Shifting Epidemiology and Risk Factors in Colorectal Cancer,’ the moderator introduces the evolving landscape of colorectal cancer screening and highlights the growing importance of early detection. The faculty review current epidemiologic trends, noting declining incidence in adults over 50 alongside a concerning rise in cases among individuals aged 40 to 49. They discuss potential contributing factors, including obesity, sedentary lifestyle, dietary habits, and the possibility of a birth cohort effect. The conversation also underscores disparities in incidence and mortality among certain racial and ethnic populations, emphasizing the role of access to care and social determinants of health. Finally, the expert faculty highlight the importance of family history assessment and risk stratification in guiding appropriate screening strategies in clinical practice.
In the next episode, ‘Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance Decisions,’ expert faculty emphasize that rectal bleeding in younger patients warrants a low threshold for colonoscopy, while prior polyp type (eg, hyperplastic, adenomatous) guides whether continued colonoscopy surveillance or noninvasive screening is appropriate.
