Increased screening leads to decrease in colorectal cancer

A new report reveals that incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer have been drastically reduced in the past 10 years. The article, "Colorectal Cancer Statistics, 2014" was published in CA earlier this month and reveals that there has been a steady drop in incidence rates over the past decade, most notably in individuals age 65 and older. In the late 40s and early 50s, colorectal cancer was the number one cause of cancer death in the United States. Lung cancer would eventually surpass it, but many other factors over the past several decades have helped drive down colorectal cancer rates and deaths, including improvements in diet and lifestyle, increased aspirin use, the widespread adoption of routine colorectal cancer screening and advances in treatment. Experts predict that mortality rates could drop by 50 percent by 2020. While there is much good news regarding the drop in incidence and mortality, as we dive a little deeper into the data, there is still much that needs focus. Racial and socioeconomic disparities still persist. Death from colorectal cancer in black men is still 50 percent higher than in whites. What's interesting is that this wasn't always the story: In the 1960s, risk of death from colorectal cancer was actually lower in blacks than whites. Around the 1970s and 80s, incidence of colorectal cancer in black men began increasing while rates in whites began to drop. This can be traced to adoption of routine screening, stage at diagnosis, social and environmental factors and possibly diet. Colorectal cancer increased in adults younger than 50. Experts believe that changes in diet and lifestyle may be a contributing factor. Focusing on reducing obesity in this group could be key.Understanding cancer statistics helps researchers track patterns, which in turn can help identify strategies to reduce cancer incidence and deaths. With these new numbers, we learn that while we're making progress, there is certainly reason to celebrate. However, we also discover that we have much work to do, including continuing to build on improving colorectal cancer screening rates, engaging individuals who are at risk, including racial and socioeconomic groups and those who are underinsured and uninsured. We also have to examine why those under 50 appear to be developing colorectal cancer at increasing rates. Do we lower the age of routine screening, focus on diet and lifestyle changes or promote awareness of other risk factors, such as Lynch Syndrome?