Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1534588
12 EXECUTIVE BRIEFING 1 EXECUTIVE BRIEFING C olorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer- related death in the U.S., with nearly 53,000 1 fatalities expected in 2025. While the burden of this disease is significant, advancements in treatment and technology offer new opportunities for prevention, early detection and improved patient care. To learn more about the current landscape and best practices in screening for colorectal cancer, Becker's Healthcare spoke with two leading experts from Connecticut GI: Neda Khaghan, MD, and Neil Parikh, MD. Colorectal cancer: Key trends and considerations The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates 154,000 individuals will be diagnosed with new cases of colorectal cancer in 2025 — including 107,000 cases of colon cancer and 47,000 cases of rectal cancer. This makes colorectal cancers the third most common cancer in the U.S., excluding skin cancers. Both men and women in the U.S. have about a 1 in 25 chance of developing colorectal cancer in their lifetime. 2 According to the ACS, the rate of people being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer has decreased since the mid-1980s, mainly due to increased preventative screenings and changes in lifestyle-related risk factors. From 2012 to 2021, cases of colon cancer dropped by about 1% per year. However, the overall downward trend reflects mostly older adults. In the same time frame, the rate of colorectal cancer increased 2.4% per year in people younger than 50. Colon cancer screening When physicians first discovered that precancerous adenomas changed to colorectal cancer, they observed that it takes at least five years to become cancerous. These discoveries led to the development of multiple screening methods for colorectal cancer, as well as screening guidelines. 3 Three primary screening methods currently include: 4 • Stool-based tests: These check the stool (feces) for signs of colorectal cancer or polyps, such as small amounts of blood or changes in the DNA or RNA from cells or in the stool. These tests are not invasive and can be done at home. Specific types of stool-based tests include a fecal immunochemical test (FIT), a guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and multitargeted stool DNA or RNA tests. • Visual exams: These tests look inside the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas that might be cancer or polyps. The best known visual exam is a colonoscopy, introduced in the 1970s. The National Cancer Institute considers colonoscopy the gold standard and the most common screening method for colorectal cancer in the U.S. 5 Furthermore, by removing precancerous polyps, colonoscopy remains the only screening tool which can help prevent colorectal cancer. Other visual exams are CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) — an advanced type of CT scan of the colon or rectum that can show abnormal areas — and sigmoidoscopy, which is similar to a colonoscopy but does not examine the entire colon. • Blood-based tests: There are currently two FDA-approved blood-based tests for colorectal screening for people at average risk. Colorectal cancer in 2025: What leaders should know about risks, screening & technology 1 Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer, American Cancer Society 2 Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer, American Cancer Society 3 Colorectal Cancer Screening History, Method and Future Perspectives, May 2023, Archives of Clinical and Medical Case Reports ISSN:2575-9655 4 Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests, American Cancer Society 5 Colorectal Cancer Screening: Where Does the Shield Liquid Biopsy Fit In? National Cancer Institute, October 2024 CONNECTICUT GI: in Connecticut for 2025 We're dedicated to improving patient outcomes and raising the standard of care in gastroenterology. Discover why we're trusted across Connec cut Connecticut GI — Your Health. Our Expertise. • Personalized GI Care • State-of-the-art Endoscopy Services • Cutting-edge solutions for digestive health and wellness • Colonoscopy • Treatment for Acid Reflux & GERD • IBD Care (Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis) • Hepatology & Liver Disease Management • Screening & Treatment for Colon Cancer • Celiac Disease and Food Sensitivity Testing Our team of expert gastroenterologists provides: Connec cut GI is proud to deliver comprehensive diges ve care with an unmatched commitment to excellence. #1 Top Doctors #1 GI Practice in Connecticut