Regular colorectal screenings significantly lower death rates, research indicates

Regular colorectal screenings significantly lower death rates, research indicates

In a groundbreaking development, a study conducted by the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) has provided compelling evidence supporting the early initiation of colorectal cancer screening for individuals in their 40s. The research, published in JAMA Oncology on June 12, offers real-world evidence of the benefits of early colorectal cancer screening.

The study, which is the first of its kind, was accompanied by an editorial from three Harvard Medical School researchers. It involved analyzing 17 years of data from community-based screening programs in Keelung and Tainan, focusing on over 500,000 residents aged 40-49 in Taiwan.

The study found that participants who started FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) screenings in their 40s had a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer and a reduced mortality rate compared to those who started at 50. Specifically, the incidence rate for those screened early was 26.1 per 100,000 person-years, compared to 42.6 per 100,000 person-years for those who began screening at 50. Mortality dropped from 7.4 to 3.2 per 100,000 person-years in the early-screening group, representing a reduction of more than 50% in deaths related to colorectal cancer.

Furthermore, adjusted analyses showed that early screening was associated with a 21-25% lower risk of colorectal cancer incidence and a 34-39% reduction in colorectal cancer-related deaths. Additionally, the study found that screening 1,548 individuals before age 50 prevented one colorectal cancer case, making early screening more efficient than the 2,079 individuals needed to be screened when starting at age 50.

These findings have significant implications, especially considering Taiwan's high colorectal cancer incidence rate. In 2022, colorectal cancer was the second-most common cancer in Taiwan, with 17,643 cases reported. Taiwan faces unique challenges due to its high rate of colorectal cancer among 40-to-49-year-olds, as highlighted by NTUH Health Management Center director, Chiu Han-mo.

Andrew Chan, one of the Harvard researchers involved in the study, stated that the research helps address a significant evidence gap regarding earlier screening and the use of FIT in the US. Chiu, the study's director, welcomed the change, calling it highly cost-effective. The study's findings could be used to support FIT screening in lower-resource settings and potentially lower the screening age even further.

In response to these findings, Taiwan has expanded eligibility for government-subsidized FITs to include individuals aged 45 to 49, lowering the previous age range of 50 to 74. People aged 40 to 44 with a family history of colorectal cancer are now eligible for the tests following the expansion.

Reducing the risk of colorectal cancer in people aged 45 to 49 would have a tremendous impact on the country, according to Taiwan's Minister of Health and Welfare, John Chiu. He stated that the study's findings could help save thousands of lives each year.

In conclusion, early colorectal cancer screening in the 40s offers several key benefits compared to starting at age 50, including a significant reduction in colorectal cancer incidence, a marked decrease in mortality, a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer, and improved screening efficiency. This research supports policy changes to initiate colorectal cancer screening earlier than the traditional age of 50, especially in regions with high colorectal cancer rates among younger adults.

1. The study's findings could be valuable in discussing workplace-wellness initiatives, focusing on medical-conditions like chronic diseases and cancer.
2. The study's lower mortality rate might prompt discussions about renewable-energy investments and climate-change's impact on health-and-wellness.
3. This research may lead to advancements in therapies-and-treatments for respiratory-conditions and digestive-health.
4. Eye-health professionals might take interest in this research, as it could lead to new strategies for prevention and early detection.
5. The study emphasizes the importance of hearing tests and regular check-ups, reinforcing the significance of health-and-wellness in the workplace.
6. Fitness-and-exercise routines could be paired with regular screenings for better health, as suggested by this research.
7. Sexual-health education could be expanded to include early colorectal cancer screening, given the significant reduction in mortality rates.
8. This study highlights the importance of addressing autoimmune-disorders and environmental-science in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.
9. As climate-change continues, research like this could inspire new collaboration between the energy, manufacturing, and environmental-science industries for health-based solutions.
10. Mental-health practitioners can use this study to emphasize the importance of addressing men's health, focusing on topics like colorectal cancer and other chronic diseases.
11. Skin-care routines may benefit from incorporating regular check-ups for skin-conditions and early cancer detection.
12. This study underscores the need for the adoption of new screening methods, such as FIT tests, in various healthcare settings, including primary care, industry, and Medicare.
13. CBD products could play a role in managing colorectal cancer symptoms or side effects from therapies and treatments, as part of an overall wellness approach.
14. Neurological-disorders could be better managed with improved cardiovascular-health, as evidenced by this study's connection between early screening and reduced colorectal cancer risk.
15. Investing in space-and-astronomy research may lead to advancements in medical procedures and treatments for colorectal cancer and other chronic diseases.
16. The oil-and-gas industry should consider supporting colorectal cancer research, as the impact of early screening is significant for workers and communities.
17. Aerospace researchers may find applications of this research in creating innovative screening technologies for remote or underserved populations.
18. Retail companies can play a role in promoting health awareness, making educational materials about early colorectal cancer screening easily accessible to consumers.
19. Public-transit systems could collaborate with health authorities to develop awareness campaigns and screening programs for passengers in their 40s.
20. Entrepreneurship in the wellness industry could be bolstered by this research, with a focus on different areas like fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and health-education.
21. Transportation networks can prioritize scheduled maintenance to ensure the health and safety of their workforce, including screenings for chronic diseases like colorectal cancer.
22. Leadership in various industries should take note of this study's findings, prioritizing diversity-and-inclusion efforts to ensure early colorectal cancer screening is accessible to all, regardless of age or background.
23. The automotive industry can contribute to this effort by partnering with health organizations to develop in-car reminders for screenings or even integration of testing devices.
24. Small-business owners can implement wellness programs that include colorectal cancer screenings, as this research demonstrates their effectiveness.
25. Financial institutions should consider investing in start-ups that offer innovative solutions for early cancer screening and detection.
26. The aviation sector can collaborate with health bodies and governments to promote policies that support early colorectal cancer screening, such as offering subsidized tests for pilots and crew.
27. The real-estate industry can play a role in health promotion by constructing commercial and residential spaces that encourage fitness-and-exercise and easy access to healthcare facilities for regular screenings.

Read also: