Tag Archive for: colorectal cancer

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Fried Chicken, Colon Cancer, Kentucky, and Everything In Between

By Parker Lynch

According to the national census data for 2020, Kentucky was found to have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the country—41.2 new cases of CRC per 100,000 people in the state  that year. This number is concerning, especially when comparing it to other states with significantly lower rates: Utah, Colorado, Delaware, Arizona, and Vermont (about 20 new cases per 100,000 in 2020). 

Why Is CRC Incidence High in Kentucky?

There are several risk factors associated with CRC: tobacco use, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, genetic predispositions, etc. Unfortunately, the residents of Kentucky exhibit each of these poor lifestyle habits much more than other states. Two-thirds of adults in Kentucky are overweight, less than a tenth eat a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables, and more than a third are not getting enough exercise. On top of these, family history of CRC is common among many families in the state, making it much more likely for individuals to develop the disease. 

On a national level, Kentucky is known for having some of the poorest diets, which includes a regular consumption of fried foods, meats, and bread. Fried foods and over-processed meats, in particular, can expose one’s body to carcinogens that have been linked to CRC as well as various other cancers. 

Kentucky Culture 

Born out of Corbin, Kentucky, Colonel Sanders’ fried chicken restaurant quickly grew to become a very popular and profitable chain of fast food spots. Known for serving bowls, pot pies, mashed potatoes, and loads of fried chicken, KFC has been a hot-spot since the 1940s. It might seem like an easy fix to tell residents to just “eat healthier”, but unhealthy diets that are deeply ingrained in a state’s culture and history are very hard to just simply eradicate. 

Telling residents of Kentucky to stop eating their fried foods is like telling residents of New York to stop drinking coffee; they may just laugh in your face. Changing the standard American diet and encouraging healthy eating habits remains a challenging endeavor for healthcare workers, researchers, community educators, and the population itself. 

Educating Communities

For starters, access to dietary and lifestyle counseling should be expanded throughout all states in America. In doing so, people would inherently have the opportunity to reflect on their own eating habits, and create plans to maximize their nutrient intake, while also learning how to be financially feasible in doing so. Many people may not even be aware of the significant health consequences of their dietary habits, and they will never know unless people are intentionally educating communities about these crises. 

People don’t need to entirely restrict certain foods in order to avoid CRC, but a gradual decrease of the consumption of fried/heavily processed foods while simultaneously increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and leaner meats will lead to a new culture: one where CRC is not a common disease in one’s community or town. 

 

Parker Lynch is a Colorectal Cancer Prevention Intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation.

Picture credit Larry White from Pixabay.

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Race and Gender Impact CRC Diagnostic Testing Among Young Veterans With Iron-Deficiency Anemia

By Parker Lynch

The Veterans Health Administration recently conducted a retrospective study of data on veterans who received care between 1999 and 2019. This study included US veterans between the ages of 18 and 49 with diagnoses of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and/or hematochezia. When examined for their diagnostic testing completion rate and the time to diagnostic testing, race and gender were found to result in disparities.

Study Outcomes and Findings

For those with IDA, diagnostic test completion was characterized by whether or not these individuals had received bidirectional endoscopies (a procedure that includes both a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy). For those with hematochezia, diagnostic test completion was defined as either receiving a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (a less-invasive procedure in which the lower part of the large intestine is examined, rather than the entire organ).

Candidates were also evaluated with respect to age, sex, race, ethnicity, and hemoglobin test value.

Out of Among the 59,169 veterans with IDA:

  • 37,719 were aged 40 to 49 years
  • 28,667 were women
  • 24,480 were black
  • 4,161 were Hispanic
  • The estimated cumulative diagnostic test completion rates were 7% at 60 days and 22% at the end of the two years as per the evaluation period.

 

Out of the 189,185 veterans with hematochezia:

  • 106,730 were aged 40 to 49 years
  • 86.5% were men
  • 4,4939 were black
  • 17,317 were Hispanic
  • The estimated cumulative diagnostic test completion rates were 22% at 60 days and 40% at the end of the two years.

The study found very low diagnostic testing among both veterans with IDA as well as those with hematochezia. Additionally, black, Hispanic, and female veterans were less likely to receive testing than their white male counterparts.

This testing is vital to detecting and treating early onset colorectal cancer (CRC), so the low levels are concerning for healthcare professionals and researchers and may have resulted in missed opportunities for early diagnosis of CRC.

Veterans’ Inadequate Health Coverage

This study raises questions around why many veterans aren’t receiving the preventative screenings they need. A 2020 study conducted by Harvard and Public Citizen found that 1.53 million veterans nationwide were uninsured. On top of this, 1 in 12 veterans (approximately 2 million individuals) go without vital physician care annually due to the associated cost.

An estimated 9 million veterans are registered with the Veterans Health Administration, but not all of them are eligible for VA healthcare coverage. This leaves a lot of veterans (many of whom have chronic conditions) unable to receive adequate care, unless they are directly paying out of pocket or have the means to purchase private insurance.

Should veterans have proper health care coverage, there would hopefully be a substantial increase in the amount of diagnostic testing that is completed, and therefore a decrease in the national incidence rate of early onset CRC.

 

Parker Lynch is a Colorectal Cancer Prevention Intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation.

Image credit: Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay.

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Connections & Comorbidities: The Link between Colorectal Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease

Welcome back to our ongoing series exploring the intricate relationship between colorectal cancer (CRC) and various health conditions. Our previous post uncovered the association between CRC and diabetes mellitus. Today, we embark on a new journey as we unravel the intriguing connection between cardiovascular disease and CRC. Through uncovering the latest research, we aim to shed light on shared risk factors and significant findings that emphasize the importance of addressing both these conditions. 

Shared Risk Factors Identified

A meta-analysis of 84 studies involving over 52 million participants has unveiled a clear association between cardiovascular disease and CRC. The analysis confirmed that individuals harboring risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as obesity, high body-mass index, diabetes, and smoking, face an increased likelihood of developing CRC. These shared risk factors act as crucial indicators of potential health complications. 

Intriguingly, the same study revealed a compelling insight: individuals who are obese and exhibit at least one metabolic abnormality, such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, or hypertension, face a 31% higher risk of being diagnosed with CRC. This underscores the significance of managing weight and addressing metabolic health concerns as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of developing both cardiovascular disease and CRC. 

A study conducted in Taiwan involving a substantial cohort of over 94,000 patients delved into the relationship between cardiovascular disease and CRC prognosis. The findings demonstrated that individuals diagnosed with CRC are more prone to developing cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary heart disease, within the first three years following their CRC diagnosis. This highlights the need for comprehensive health management strategies encompassing cancer treatment and cardiovascular health for CRC patients. 

Uninsured and the Risk of CRC, Cardiovascular Disease 

In a noteworthy cohort study published in June 2022, researchers examined over 197,000 cases of CRC from the SEER database to study the prognosis of CRC patients. They assessed mortality trends due to cardiovascular disease and identified risk factors to develop a predictive model for cardiovascular disease outcomes in this population. The study unveiled a significant risk factor: lack of insurance coverage. It was found that CRC patients without insurance faced a higher likelihood of cardiovascular death than those with health coverage. These findings emphasize the need for further exploration of the link between social determinants of health and health outcomes. 

As we conclude our exploration of the connection between cardiovascular disease and CRC, it becomes increasingly evident that these two conditions share risk factors and impact each other’s prognosis. This knowledge encourages a holistic approach to

healthcare that prioritizes overall well-being and seeks to achieve optimal health outcomes for individuals facing these conditions. By addressing common risk factors, focusing on metabolic health, and implementing comprehensive healthcare strategies, we can strive to minimize the impact of both cardiovascular disease and CRC.

 

Emma Edwards is a Colorectal Cancer Prevention Intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation.

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CDC Report: Why Do Certain Populations Never Screen for Colorectal Cancer?

Cancer screening remains a powerful tool. Even limited screening has long-term benefits compared to no screening  and can lower the risk of cancer and related deaths. A recent study by researchers at the CDC compared data on adults who reported they had not received a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test between 2012 and 2020 using information from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The study identified various trends, most notably that 22 states did not meet the CDC’s Healthy People 2020 goal of 70.5% adults screened for CRC.

The sample was limited to adults aged 50 to 75 years, with up to date screenings defined as one of the following:

  • Home stool-blood test within the past year
  • Sigmoidoscopy within five years with fecal occult blood test or within one year with fecal immunochemical test
  • Colonoscopy within ten years

The ‘never screened’ numbers were a composite of those who answered no to being screened or those who were not up to date. Those who declined to answer or reported uncertainty were excluded. Overall, the study identified:

  • A 5.8% decrease in unscreened adults between 2012 and 2020 
  • States with the largest improvements were also those with the largest unscreened population in 2012 

 

Despite these improvements, CRC screening goals have yet to be met and may be difficult to meet with the new Healthy People 2030 standards. The target of 74.4% screened may have been a challenge to meet, possibly further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Researchers noted that including just two more questions on the BRFSS in 2020, the percentage of up to date screenings increased to 71.6%. These two questions enquired about:

  • Stool DNA testing
  • Computerized tomographic colonography

It is important to note that the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable—a membership organization established by the CDC and the American Cancer Society—has set its goal to 80% screening rates across the country.

Study authors recognized recall bias and an inability to distinguish between screening versus diagnostic tests as major study limitations. Additionally, social desirability bias and a low response rate may have also affected the results. However, financial factors and health disparities may also describe the differences between states.

Following implementation of the Affordable Care Act, researchers at the American Cancer Society found that CRC screening among low-income adults across the U.S. increased by up to 8%, with the greatest increases observed in early Medicaid expansion states. They also noted that a majority of those who were never screened also lived in a state without expansion (South Dakota). 

Nonfinancial factors such as health disparities were studied in a mixed-methods analysis conducted at the Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine. Here, researchers noted that participants of gender-specific and race-specific focus groups brought forth nuanced concerns regarding screening. This included lack of awareness of both the disease and the screening, lack of physician recommendation that is clear and rational, and fear of being diagnosed and complications associated with testing. These concerns, if unaddressed, may limit others from seeking out CRC screening.

To read more about the Healthy People 2030 CRC screening standards and the current progress, visit Healthy People 2030.

 

Kaylinn Escobar is a Colorectal Cancer Prevention Intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation. 

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Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Effective for Mismatch Repair–Deficient Colorectal Cancer

Mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) or microsatellite instability–high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC) is an advanced form of CRC that is highly responsive to treatment with immunotherapy, especially PD-1 inhibitors. Preliminary research results demonstrate that PD-1 inhibitors are significantly effective cancer treatments, with high response rates and sustained progression-free survival. 

A new study investigated the treatment impact of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors on the long-term survival of dMMR CRC patients. The study found that PD-1 inhibitor treatment before surgery was significantly effective among patients with dMMR/MSI-H CRC.

Seventy-three patients with dMMR/MSI-H CRC who had previously been treated with PD-1 inhibitors were included in a retrospective review. The most common locations of primary tumors were in the rectum (24.7%) and ascending colon (24.7%). 79.5% of patients were treated with PD-1 inhibitor alone. The study found:

  • Nearly all patients involved in the study benefited from neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors, with 25% experiencing complete response.
  • 84.9% of patients experienced an objective response, with 61.6% achieving a partial response. 
  • The two-year tumor-specific overall survival and disease-free survival rates for patients who underwent surgery after PD-1 blockade were both 100%.

These findings are promising for patients with nonmetastatic dMMR/MSI-H CRC, including those with locally advanced disease. Dustin A. Deming, MD, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, stated in an NCCN newsletter, “The treatment of mismatch repair deficient locally-advanced colorectal cancer is a highly active area of research. This retrospective analysis highlights the potential for significant treatment responses with limited toxicities for these patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. It will be exciting to see how these results, and other completed and ongoing studies, will be utilized to incorporate anti-PD1 treatments into the standard-of-care for locally-advanced colorectal cancers.”

To read more about types of immunotherapy drugs and their impact on cancer care, visit Understanding Cancer Immunotherapy Research. 

 

Sahar Alam is a Colorectal Cancer Prevention Intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation.

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Have Colonoscopy Rates Among 45-49 Year Olds Improved After Guideline Change?

Initiating regular screening at the recommended age and time interval is key to preventing and early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). An early CRC diagnosis improves survival. The American Cancer Society (2018) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2020) recommended that CRC screening should start at 45 instead of 50 years, in reaction to the growing incidence of CRC among younger people. 

All major U.S. guidelines now endorse average-risk CRC screening at 45 years of age. However, there are concerns that endoscopic capacity may be strained, that low-risk persons may self-select for screening, and that calculations of the adenoma detection rate may be diluted. 

A new study supports the recommendation that colonoscopies should start at age 45, not 50 years. In this study, researchers compared colonoscopy volumes and lesion detection rates in the U.S. healthcare system before (October 2017 to December 2018) and after (January 2019 to August 2021) the new guidelines were issued. They included 7,990 patients who had undergone colonoscopies from October 2017 through August 2021: 4,266 first-time colonoscopies and 3,724 re-screening colonoscopies. 

Researchers found that:

  • After the screening age for colonoscopy was lowered, younger people were more likely to undergo the procedure
  • Among people ages 45 to 49, first-time screening rates increased from 3.5% in the period before guidelines were changed to 11.6% after they were updated 
  • First-time colonoscopies were still largely performed in patients ages 50 to 54 in both time periods, while re-screening colonoscopies showed a shifting trend toward older ages
  • Patients ages 60 to 64 were the most likely to undergo re-screening during both time periods 

They concluded that in our healthcare system in the early contemporary era of updated CRC screening guidelines, screening colonoscopy volume among 45- to 49-year-old patients has increased modestly, and lesion detection rates in 45- to 49-year-old patients have not decreased as might have been seen if low-risk persons were self-selecting for screening. The authors acknowledged that their findings were based on a single healthcare system and that national data will be important to assess the impact of the revised guidelines. 

 

Kitty Chiu is a Colorectal Cancer Prevention Intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation.

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Expanding Multigene Panel Testing Criteria for Colorectal Cancer Patients

Multigene panel testing (MGPT) is a tool to identify genetic mutations that can increase an individual’s risk of a disease such as cancer. MGPT can also be used to develop a treatment plan or to help predict whether cancer will spread to other parts of the body. A recent study examined colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and found that 14.2% of patients carried at least one pathogenic germline variant (PGV), with more than one PGV identified in 1.4% of patients. 

Identification of pathogenic or likely PGVs in hereditary cancer predisposition genes can affect a patient’s treatment plan. While there is increased support for universal MGPT for certain forms of cancer, eligibility criteria for CRC are more restrictive: germline genetic testing for CRC is recommended only for a subset of patients with CRC who meet certain “high-risk criteria,” which include:

  • Diagnosis before 50 years 
  • Lynch syndrome–related cancers 
  • Having a family history of certain Lynch syndrome-related cancers 
  • Abnormalities in mismatch repair immunohistochemistry

The above mentioned study conducted MGPT across a diverse CRC population to determine whether genetic testing criteria for patients with CRC should be broadened. The results of the study found that of the 34,244 individuals who were tested:

  • 14.2% of individuals carried at least one PGV, with more than one PGV identified in 1.4% 
  • 11.9% of individuals carried a clinically actionable variant, including 9.1% carrying a PGV in a gene associated with an increased CRC/polyposis risk 
  • 5.7% of individuals carried Lynch syndrome–related PGVs 

This research study is the largest to date examining MGPT in CRC, and demonstrated high rates of clinically actionable variants detected, independent of the age at the time of testing, the number of genes on the panel, and race/ethnicity. These findings provide evidence to support the broadening of genetic testing criteria for patients with CRC, which in turn will have a significant impact on disease management, the treatment plan, and ultimately, disease outcome.

 

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What Do I Need to Know About Genetic Testing for Colorectal Cancer?

Genetic factors play an important role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Some people have inherited genetic syndromes that increase their risk for colon cancer. Genetic testing looks for these inherited syndromes along with changes in DNA that are associated with a greater likelihood of developing cancer. 

What is Genetic Testing for CRC?

Genetic testing looks for changes in your DNA that are known to be associated with an increased risk of cancer. Generally, there are two ways that genetic testing may be used: 

  • Before a person develops cancer to determine their level of risk
  • Following a cancer diagnosis to see if genetic changes may have contributed to the cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, genetic tests can help show if members of certain families have inherited a high risk of CRC due to inherited cancer syndromes such as Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, or HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

Who is Considered “High-Risk”?

Those with a family history of CRC may benefit from speaking to their primary care physician, oncologist, or surgeon about the importance of genetic testing to identify if there was a mutated gene that predisposes them to cancer. You may be a good candidate for genetic testing for CRC if you have:

  • Close family members, such as parents, children, or siblings, who have been diagnosed with CRC
  • Many people on one side of your family who’ve been diagnosed with CRC
  • A personal or family history of CRC diagnosis at a young age
  • A personal or family history of an inherited genetic syndrome that increases CRC risk
  • A personal or family history of multiple cancers
  • A strong family history of CRC or other cancers that are associated with an inherited genetic syndrome
  • More than 10 adenomatous polyps found during CRC screening

What Can I Expect With the Procedure?

If your doctor believes that you’re a good candidate for genetic testing, they’ll likely refer you to a genetic counselor. Genetic testing is typically done using a blood sample. However, it may also use a sample of saliva, cheek cells, or skin. This sample will be sent to a specialized lab that will run the test. After a few weeks, your results will be sent over to your doctor or genetic counselor and you’ll be contacted to discuss your test results and next steps.

How Much Does Genetic Testing for Colon Cancer Cost and is it Covered by Insurance?

Genetic testing can be expensive and can cost between $100 to over $2,000, depending on the nature and complexity of the test. Many insurance providers will cover the cost of genetic testing and genetic counseling if it’s considered medically necessary. 

  • Most private health insurers cover genetic counseling and testing with low- or no out-of-pocket costs for people who meet certain personal or family cancer history criteria.
  • Medicare covers genetic testing for people with a cancer diagnosis who meet certain criteria; you must have a cancer diagnosis to qualify for coverage of genetic testing for an inherited mutation.
  • Medicaid programs cover BRCA genetic counseling and testing for qualifying individuals, including those with a known mutation in the family, or specific personal and/or family history of cancer for all but two states: Alabama and Rhode Island.

Nevertheless, always check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered before getting tested. For additional information about insurance coverage, please visit: Paying for Genetic Services.

 

Kitty Chiu is a Colorectal Cancer Prevention Intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation.

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Fecal Immunochemical Tests Affordable and Effective for Colorectal Cancer Screening

As we emerge from the initial waves of COVID-19, patients may have been reluctant to take more time out of their life for a colonoscopy prep, procedure, and recovery. Fortunately, non-invasive stool-based screening tools, such as fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) and multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA or Cologuard), are practical options that allow patients to provide a sample in the comfort of their home and could address access and care gap issues as they are less expensive. 

According to a new study presented during the Scientific Forum at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2022, these non-invasive stool-based screening methods are equally effective for screening for early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC). Pavan K. Rao, MD, a general surgery resident at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, presented study results that evaluated 117,519 enrollees within the Highmark claims database who underwent CRC screening in 2019. The researchers found:

  • About 60% of patients taking either the fecal immunochemical test or the DNA test at home instead of having a routine colonoscopy had early-stage cancer, but a FIT detected it at one-fifth the cost. 
  • The total annual costs for the tests were $6.47 million—$1.1 million for a FIT (about $24 per test) and $5.6 million for mt-sDNA (about $121 per test). Costs were calculated using Medicare reimbursement rates.
  • Transitioning all non-invasive CRC screening to FIT would result in $3.9 million in savings annually in the study population. 

Similarly, these results support previous studies out of Japan and the Netherlands that found FIT was more cost-effective than other types of non-invasive CRC screening tests. This provides our healthcare system with an efficient alternative at a reduced cost that maintains patient outcomes without compromising the quality of care. 

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Patient Preference Key to Success of Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is a vital preventative method to detect and remove a polyp and to diagnose cancer before it advances to an incurable stage. CRC screening options include endoscopy and stool-based testing. Now a new study that surveyed unscreened individuals at average risk for CRC has found that people have a preference for the stool-based screening option. 

The third most diagnosed cancer in the U.S., over 5 million people worldwide currently live with CRC. One method of CRC screening is a colonoscopy, which detects swollen, abnormal tissues, polyps, or cancer in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Another form of CRC screening is the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). FIT is one of the most widely used CRC screening methods globally and is an affordable screening tool for studying large populations. FIT detects hidden blood in stool, a potential early sign of cancer, and it has an overall 95% diagnostic accuracy for CRC. 

It is estimated that 106,180 new colon cancer cases and 44,850 new rectal cancer cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022. With the screening age for CRC for average-risk adults lowered to 45 years, we need a better understanding of what the various age groups may prefer as a screening option to improve compliance and screening rates. 

The new study that was published has found that individuals in the 40-49 age group and those ≥50 years prioritized test modality above effectiveness when choosing their screening test. The findings of this study demonstrate that:

  • Both 40-49-years-old and ≥50-year-old age groups preferred FIT-fecal DNA every three years
  • The second preferred test for both age groups was a colon video capsule, or capsule endoscopy, every five years 
  • Regarding only the USPSTF tier 1 tests, both age groups preferred an annual FIT over a colonoscopy every ten years
    • 68.9% of 40-49-year-olds and 77.4% of ≥50-year-old participants preferred an annual FIT

These results conflict with current CRC screening approaches in the U.S., where colonoscopy is the screening test customarily used. Furthermore, these findings prompt the modification of current CRC screening guidelines and suggest that healthcare providers consider sequential-based screening procedures where FIT is offered before colonoscopy. The results, however, are consistent with a 2007 study, which supports the effectiveness of providing FIT before colonoscopy—the percentage of patients that were up-to-date with screening increased by almost 50% between 2000 and 2015 when they were offered direct-to-patient annual FIT outreach with colonoscopy. 

Scheduling delays and longer waiting times for colonoscopies have increased as millions of newly eligible individuals need a colonoscopy, all of which can strain resources and delay access and early screening for patients, especially for those at greater risk for CRC. Sequential approaches for CRC screening, such as those that offer FIT before colonoscopy, can help acknowledge and adjust to the increased need for screening and the lack of resources and help prioritize access to colonoscopy for those at greater risk for CRC.

 

Sahar Alam is a Colorectal Cancer Prevention Intern with the Colon Cancer Foundation.

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