New Guidelines Issued March 5, 2008 Update Recommendations on Colorectal Cancer Screening Strong Preference for Tests That Can Prevent Colon Cancer, Including Colonoscopy

New guidelines on colorectal cancer screening have been recently issued by American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American Cancer Society that provide recommendations for various alternatives for colorectal cancer detection and states a strong preference for screening tests that can prevent colorectal cancer.

 

The new guidelines should contribute to the increased use of colorectal cancer screening tests which is provent to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer. Physicians now recognize that small and flat lesions in the colon may be a precursor to colon cancer.Several tests are among the recommended alternatives including stool tests and endoscopic procedures such as flexible sigmoidoscopy, as well as radiological examinations by either barium enema or CT colonography, also known as “virtual colonoscopy.”

 

The new guideline recognizes that for flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema and CT colonography, a follow-up colonoscopy will be required if anything suspicious is discovered.

 

Other routine and complext digestive problems treated at Rush North Shore include:

• Acid reflux
• Ulcer diseases
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Colon cancer (including screening)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Diverticulosis
• Colon polyps
• Liver disease
• Hepatitis
• Gallstones
• Fecal incontinence
• Genetic screening for colorectal cancer