The latest guidelines not only reduce the age at which bowel cancer screening should commence but also introduce new recommendations that could potentially save countless lives.
The most notable change is the reduction in the recommended age for population screening.
Individuals at average risk of developing bowel cancer, without presenting symptoms, are now advised to undergo screening every two years starting from the age of 45. Previously the threshold was 50-74.
While, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) start age has been lowered from 50 to 45, making this vital screening accessible to a broader age group.
Early detection saves lives
In a bid to further empower early detection, individuals between the ages of 40-44 (formerly 45-49) have the opportunity to request screening through their healthcare professional even before receiving their first NBCSP invitation. This proactive approach aims to address the increasing incidence of bowel cancer among younger age groups.
Shocking statistics reveal that 1,716 Australians under the age of 50 are diagnosed with bowel cancer annually. Those aged 40-49 account for a staggering 56 percent of new cases and 64 percent of deaths in this younger age group.
Julien Wiggins, CEO of Bowel Cancer Australia, expressed gratitude to the dedicated team of advocates who have relentlessly campaigned for these groundbreaking changes. However, Wiggins emphasises that there is still work to be done.
The organisation now calls upon the Federal Government to approve, fund, and execute the lower NBCSP screening start age, as early-onset bowel cancer remains a pressing concern.
Youthfulness should not serve as a barrier to timely diagnosis, and the updated guidelines for individuals aged 40-44 must be actively adopted by healthcare professionals.
Around the world
The decision to lower the screening age aligns with international best practices, following the United States’ pioneering step in 2018.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) revised its guidelines in response to the escalating rates of bowel cancer incidence and mortality among younger and middle-aged populations.
Subsequently, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and the US Multi-Society Task Force (USMSTF) on Colorectal Cancer (CRC) all endorsed the ACS’s age-reduced recommendations.
In New Zealand, the national bowel cancer screening program is offered every two years to people aged 60 to 74 years who are eligible for publicly funded health care. Despite bowel cancer being the second biggest cancer killer in the country.
Causes of bowel cancer
Despite the progress in lowering the screening age, the underlying causes of early-onset bowel cancer remain elusive.
A/Prof Graham Newstead AM, Medical Director of Bowel Cancer Australia, highlights the importance of recognising and acting upon potential symptoms, including abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, and iron deficiency anemia experienced in the months and years leading up to a diagnosis. These signs could be indicative of bowel cancer, particularly in individuals under the age of 50.
The revised guidelines signify a significant leap forward in the battle against bowel cancer. Offering the potential to detect and treat the disease at an earlier, more manageable stage saves lives.
