© 2003 by Oxford University Press
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 95, No. 8, 574-576,
April 16, 2003
© 2003 Oxford University Press
NEWS |
Recent Studies Unite Groups in ‘Convergence of Thought’ on Colorectal Cancer Screening
| The first 10% of the full text of this article appears below. |
Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers for which screening has been shown in randomized clinical trials to reduce mortality from and incidence of the disease. But it could save many more lives and prevent far more cancers if more people used one of the many tests available, and advocates say the time is ripe for a concerted effort to boost screening rates.
Agencies and organizations producing colorectal cancer screening guidelines have reached a consensus where confusion once reigned, insurers are increasing coverage for the procedures, and people are beginning to talk more openly about the disease and its prevention, said Bernard Levin, M.D., head of the Division of Cancer Prevention at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, and chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.
"Until recently, the topic has eluded public—and to some extent, professional—attention," Levin said.