Potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives is the American Cancer Society, which has recommended screening for colorectal cancer in individuals below the age of 50, the threshold so far. The Society says that individuals aged 45 and above should get tested regularly, following research that indicates a dramatic 51-per-cent rise in colorectal cancer, mostly in individuals aged between 40 and 49. The Society says that everyone needs a colonoscopy to test for this cancer, the third-most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Non-invasive procedures such as lab tests done on stool samples will suffice. If these tests come back positive, a colonoscopy would be needed. Early screening can help identify and remove polyps that can turn malignant, and lower the incidence of cancer. The Society’s updated guidelines have been published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

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Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
September 2018