OAK BROOK, Ill.—The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) lauds the recent news of the decline in U.S. colorectal cancer death and incidence rates. The report, released this week, shows that from 1975 to 2000, incidence rates dropped 22 percent and death rates dropped 26 percent.
The decline reflects the impact of increased colorectal cancer screening, changes in lifestyle and diet, and improved treatments. ASGE, representing the specialists in colorectal cancer screening, is also encouraged by the report’s statement that if current trends persist, death rates from colorectal cancer could decline 36 percent by 2020 and there could be as much as a 50 percent decline if there are further improvements in risk factor control, screening, and treatment.
The study, by the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, has been issued annually since 1998 on the status of cancer in the U.S. This year’s report states that “screening appears to have had a considerable impact on reducing CRC incidence and mortality.”
It notes, however, that the greatest decline in new diagnoses were among those 65 and older, while people younger than age 50 showed an increase in diagnoses. This represents a minority of colorectal cancer deaths as six percent of deaths in 2006 were among individuals under age 50. The good news is that overall colorectal cancer incidence and death rates are declining steadily.
The causes for the increase in those under 50 with colorectal cancer are still unknown, but possibilities may include increased screening among people before age 50 due to family history or genetic factors, increased awareness of colorectal cancer symptoms, which prompts people to see their doctor, and the increasing prevalence of obesity and poor diet and lifestyle habits. Modifiable risk factors for colorectal cancer include physical inactivity, obesity, a diet high in red and processed meats, and tobacco use.