ASGE encouraged by drop in colorectal can...( said John L. Petrini MD FASGE presiden...),Health

Date:11/26/2008

," said John L. Petrini, MD, FASGE, president of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. "Individuals with other risk factors, including a family history of colon cancer or polyps, and African Americans, may need screening at an earlier age. This disease is largely preventable and curable when diagnosed in its early stages. While we are encouraged by this excellent news, far too few people are getting screened. ASGE recommends colonoscopy screening beginning at age 50 and repeating every 10 years after a normal exam. Colonoscopy plays a very important role in colorectal cancer screening and prevention because it is the only method that allows for the detection and removal of precancerous polyps during the same exam and before the polyps turn into cancer."

Colorectal cancer kills more than 50,000 people each year. Many of those deaths could be prevented with earlier detection. The five-year relative survival rate for people whose colorectal cancer is treated in an early stage is greater than 90 percent. Unfortunately, only 39 percent of colorectal cancers are found at that early stage. Once the cancer has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, the five-year relative survival rate decreases dramatically.

'/>"/>

Contact: Anne Brownsey abrownsey@asge.org 630-570-5635 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Source:Eurekalert

0 GOOD

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Women with Breast Implants Encouraged To Go Beyond Regular Mammogram Screening
2. People with Epilepsy Encouraged to Submit Artwork as Part of National Expressions of Courage(R) Art Contest
3. AAHIVM Encouraged by TMC125 Approval
4. Families Encouraged to Enjoy Healthy Kids Fest January 12 at the Blue Cross RiverRink
5. Parents Encouraged to Set an Example for Their Teens and Help Stop Underage Drinking
6. New York City Cancer Patients, Survivors and Care Givers Encouraged to Keep Going(R)
7. Radiologists encouraged to look beyond cancer for clinically unseen diseases
8. Colorectal Cancer Screens Detect Unrecognized Disease
9. Colorectal Cancer Treatment Costs Vary Widely
10. Calcium may only protect against colorectal cancer in presence of magnesium
11. Cost of treating colorectal cancer can vary by thousands per patient