14 DAY TRIAL // The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) released new information to the public, stating that regular colonoscopies over the age of 75 are not advisable. The communicate states that exams of such nature over that age are useless, as patients that underwent this procedure since they were 50 and did not develop any symptoms are less likely to do so over the newly-set age limit. The regulation does not apply to those who have a high-risk of getting colon cancer.
The paper also suggested that life expectancy after 75 cannot be significantly increased following results gathered from complicated clinical investigations. Ann Graham Zauber, PhD, associate attending biostatistician in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and lead scientist working on this study said that "People who have had adenomas or colorectal cancer should continue surveillance after age 75."
Constant screening remains the best option for Americans aged 50 to 75, as this population segment is most exposed to colon cancer, with more than 50,000 people dying because of it each year. Doctors say that these statistics would be much less frightening if patients got regular check-ups. Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBTs) are a non-invasive preventive option that can be undergone yearly with no risks to patients. Sigmoidoscopies can also improve cancer detection rates drastically if performed at least once every 5 years.
With this recommendation came the first time the USPSTF made an evidence-informed decision regarding clinical procedures. Rather than justifying its proposal through literature in the field, the Task Force conducted its own studies and considered several preemptive methods to be employed to prevent colon cancer. Dr. Zauber and her team were in charge of collecting data from various institutions and statistics and organizing them into a conclusive set of information to be considered by the USPSTF.