FEATURED MEDICAL EDUCATION TOPIC: New Guidelines for Colon Cancer Screening & Management

What is the problem?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a common and lethal disease. It is estimated that in 2026, 158,850 U.S. adults will be diagnosed and approximately 55,230 will die from CRC. Although mortality has declined since 1990, CRC remains a leading cause of cancer death. Notably, about 12% of cases occur in individuals under 50 years of age. In response to rising early-onset disease, the American Cancer Society now recommends beginning average-risk screening at age 45. Updated guidelines emphasize risk-based screening, earlier detection, and appropriate use of colonoscopy, stool-based testing, and emerging diagnostic tools. Advances in management include improved surgical techniques, minimally invasive approaches, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and refined staging and adjuvant treatment strategies. Addressing disparities in access, health literacy, and socioeconomic barriers is critical to improving outcomes. Healthcare professionals must stay current with evolving screening recommendations and multidisciplinary treatment strategies.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learners will be able to:

• Review the epidemiology and risk factors of colorectal cancer
• Diagnose and clinically stage colon cancer in primary care
• Apply updated screening recommendations, including initiation at age 45
• Integrate current surgical, chemotherapeutic, targeted, and immunotherapy options
• Recognize socioeconomic and communication factors affecting patient care access

If your medical staff needs a speaker on colorectal cancer, consider contacting our office to book a speaker at 714-505-4777 or info@speakersnetwork.com.

REFERENCES

https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer/statistics

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-presentation-diagnosis-and-staging-of-colorectal-cancer

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html