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Latest cancer screening recommendations for physicians
Cancer is a significant health problem that causes about one in four deaths in the United States, according to the American College of Physicians.
"One approach to reducing cancer morbidity and mortality rates is screening," the ACP's High Value Care Task Force wrote in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Healio.com/Internal Medicine presents the latest in cancer screening recommendations, largely from the ACP and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
ACP strongly recommends against cervical cancer screenings in women younger than 21
During a press conference, top ACP authorities referred to cervical cancer screenings among average-risk women younger than 21 as having little benefit compared to risk. Read more.
ACP recommends less cancer screening for average-risk adults
The ACP released clinical guidelines for screening average-risk adults without symptoms for several common cancers. In a companion publication, the ACP also outlined a framework for the value of different intensities of cancer screening. Read more.
USPSTF breast cancer screening recommendations remain unchanged despite controversy
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force today released a final recommendation statement on breast cancer screening, reiterating the same guidance it offered in its last recommendation statement 7 years ago. Read more.
Colorectal cancer incidence rising in patients younger than screening age
Approximately 15% of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer received their diagnosis at an age younger than 50 years, according to the results of a SEER analysis. Although younger patients tend to present with more advanced-stage tumors, they also receive more aggressive therapy and, thus, achieve longer disease-free survival, research showed. Read more.
Annual FIT associated with high sensitivity, adherence to follow-up screens
Annual fecal immunochemical testing appeared highly sensitive for colorectal cancer detection, according to results of a retrospective longitudinal study. Because there also appeared to be high adherence to annual follow-up screening, the researchers concluded annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening is a feasible and effective population-level colorectal cancer screening modality. Read more.
ACP issues guidelines for evaluating blood in the urine as sign of cancer
The ACP has issued High Value Care advice regarding hematuria as a marker for occult cancer, including current practice and suggestions for evaluating patients with hematuria. Read more.
VIDEO: Increase in cancer among younger patients requires vigilant screening techniques
By 2030, it is estimated that one in four patients with rectal cancer and one in nine patients with colon cancer will be under the age of 50 years, according to George J. Chang, MD, professor of surgical oncology and health services research and chief of the section of colon and rectal surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Watch here.
PSA testing rates differ among urologists, PCPs
PSA testing rates have declined overall since the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force made a recommendation against the test, but these declines were greater among primary care physicians than urologists, according to a research letter published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Read more.
Reference:
Wilt TJ, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2015;doi:10.7326/M14-2326.