Embargoed for Release Until: Sunday, November 2, 1997, 6:00 p.m. Contact: Marie Kendra Tehonica (202) 973-1361
Studies Support Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Screening Among High Risk Individuals and African Americans
November 2, 1997, Chicago, IL -- Two studies presented at the 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology highlighted the importance of colorectal cancer screening for individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease and for African Americans, who are thought to have an increased incidence of colorectal cancer.
A study from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, directed by Bret A. Lashner, MD, FACG with Kirti Shetty, MD found that patients with ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, who also suffer from a liver disease know as primary sclerosing cholangitis ("PSC") have a significantly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. This study identified a potential risk factor of increased levels of cancer-causing secondary bile acids in patients with PSC suggested by the reduced risk of colorectal cancer following liver transplantation.
The American Cancer Society released new guidelines this year which recommend regular screening for individuals over 50, and special measures for those at higher than average risk for colorectal cancer because of family history or other predisposing conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Most colon cancers develop from benign polyps. Early removal of polyps during screening can eliminate most colon cancers. For normal risk individuals, screening tests should begin at age 50 and consist of annual stool test for blood, and a flexible sigmoidoscopic exam every 3 to 5 years. Screening colonoscopy every 1 to 2 years is recommended for individuals at higher than normal risk for colon cancer, including those with a past history of colorectal cancer, family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease. For both average and high risk individuals, all potential pre-cancerous polyps must be removed.
These screening recommendations are appropriate for African Americans according to a new study by John E. Burney, III, MD and Charles Duckworth, MD of Emory University. This study compared the incidence, location, size and histology of colorectal polyps between 69 African American and 75 Caucasian patients at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. In this group, African Americans were more likely to have multiple and large polyps than Caucasian patients, and there was no difference between these groups with respect to the location or histology of the polyps. For both African Americans and Caucasians, early detection and removal polyps increases survival rates.
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The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners.
Consumers can get more information on GI diseases through the following ACG-sponsored programs:
* 1-800-978-7666 (free brochures on common GI disorders, including ulcers, colon cancer, gallstones and liver disease)
* 1-800-HRT-BURN (free brochure and video on heartburn and GERD)
* www.acg.gi.org (ACG's web site)
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