All articles tagged with #screening
Olivia Munn revealed a Stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis after a no-symptom Lifetime Risk Assessment test; she underwent multiple surgeries and has since turned her experience into a high-profile awareness campaign that spurred a 4,000% rise in women taking the risk-assessment test, with her husband John Mulaney by her side and a reminder to cherish everyday moments with her children.
A Charlotte woman, 49, who felt exhausted for months underwent a colonoscopy that found a large rectal tumor, diagnosed as Stage 3C cancer; after chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries she is now cancer-free, underscoring the importance of early screening to detect colorectal cancer before it progresses.
Brooke Pangrazio, diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 33 (later 35) with liver and lung metastases, says she is “treatable, but not curable” as she undergoes chemotherapy. Her story highlights rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, the need for earlier screening, and the importance of self-advocacy—urging others to push for medical evaluation (like colonoscopies) if something feels off, even as she remains hopeful about longer-term outcomes.
More than 1.4 million Veterans enrolled in VA health care live with chronic kidney disease. VA is urging early kidney screening—via a simple blood and urine test—because many with CKD do not have symptoms until later stages. Veterans face higher CKD risk from diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and occupational or environmental exposures. Since 2019 VA has advanced CKD prevention and detection, updated guidelines with the DoD, expanded access to home dialysis, Telenephrology, genetic testing, and integrated kidney care teams. Veterans can support kidney health by following kidney-friendly diets (DASH or Mediterranean), consulting a dietitian, scheduling a screening, monitoring blood pressure and glucose, reviewing medications, and talking with their VA provider about personal risk.
An Australian oncologist explains there is no universal 'everything' cancer test. The Grail Galleri blood test aims to detect cancer signals in the blood but failed to reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses in a large NHS trial, illustrating the gap between finding more cancers and saving lives. While early detection remains a key goal, simply detecting cancers earlier doesn’t guarantee better outcomes, so practical public health guidance focuses on prevention and careful interpretation of test results.
Business Insider reports that colon cancer is now the deadliest cancer in the US and is increasingly diagnosed in people under 50, with researchers citing an unidentified environmental or behavioral exposure driving cases, especially in the rectum. The article emphasizes the personal and financial impact on younger patients and highlights risk-reduction steps, at-home screening options, and related resources.
UK cancer deaths fell to a record low between 2022 and 2024 (about 247 per 100,000 per year), down roughly 29% since 1989, thanks to long‑term investments in prevention, screening (notably cervical cancer) and vaccines, plus advances in treatments such as targeted therapies, hormone therapy and immunotherapy. Cervical cancer deaths have dropped dramatically due to HPV vaccination and screening; other cancers show mixed trends. While deaths are lower, total cancer deaths can still rise with an aging population, underscoring the need for continued investment in prevention, screening and research to push mortality lower.
On March 29 in St. Augustine, the March To Get Screened 5K Race and 1 Mile Run aims to raise awareness of colorectal cancer and promote screening at age 45. Proceeds fund free colonoscopies for eligible patients, vouchers for underinsured individuals, and up to $5,000 for cancer treatment through the Borland Groover Foundation, supporting education and access to care as part of the This Is 45 initiative.
A new American Cancer Society analysis finds colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in Americans under 50, with rising incidence and mortality in younger adults and a birth-cohort effect suggesting generational risk changes. Early detection is crucial, as most under-50 cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, yet only about 37% of 45–49-year-olds are up to date with screening, despite ACS guidance to start screening at 45; expanding and increasing screening could prevent many deaths this cohort.
Major medical groups—including the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology—issued updated guidelines recommending cholesterol screening and lipid-lowering treatment begin as young as age 30 if lifestyle changes aren’t enough. The guidelines call for measuring lipoprotein(a) once in adulthood, set LDL targets of <100 mg/dL for lower/intermediate risk and <70 mg/dL for high risk, and emphasize statins as the foundation with non-statin therapies considered when needed to reduce long-term heart attack and stroke risk.
New data from Cancer Research UK show UK cancer deaths between 2022–2024 fell to a record low (about 247 per 100,000), down from a 1989 peak of 355 per 100,000, a ~29% decline. The drop reflects sustained investment in research, prevention, and treatments, with major gains in stomach, lung, ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers. Cervical cancer deaths have fallen 75% since the 1970s largely due to national screening and the HPV vaccine. Screening programs (cervical, breast, colorectal, PSA testing) and advances like targeted therapies and immunotherapy have improved early detection and survival. However, total deaths may still rise as the population ages. Some cancers are increasing (skin, liver, kidney) and others remain stable, but experts forecast further decreases with continued investment and screening expansion.
Colorectal cancer is rising sharply among people under 50, now a leading cause of cancer deaths for men under 50 and the second leading cause for women under 50. While screening guidelines lowered the age to 45, experts warn that “average risk” is no longer static and many younger people need earlier or more personalized surveillance. Be vigilant about persistent symptoms, discuss family history with doctors, and seek timely evaluation to enable early detection and better outcomes.
A American Cancer Society analysis shows colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death among Americans under 50, with about three-quarters diagnosed at an advanced stage because screening is less common in younger people. Experts urge prompt evaluation for persistent rectal bleeding or bowel changes and note stool-based tests can screen before colonoscopy. The trend contrasts with declines in older adults and may reflect a birth-cohort effect and possible environmental factors, underscored by personal stories of young patients diagnosed with advanced disease.
Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting adults under 50, prompting doctors to call for earlier screening in high-risk groups even before 45. Official guidance still starts average-risk screening at 45, but those with strong family history, hereditary syndromes (such as Lynch syndrome, FAP, MAP, Peutz–Jeghers, Juvenile Polyposis), or inflammatory bowel disease may need earlier and/or more frequent colonoscopies. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for detection and prevention by removing precancerous polyps, while stool tests exist as alternatives but are not ideal for high-risk individuals. Red flags like rectal bleeding, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, anemia, or unexplained weight loss warrant prompt evaluation regardless of age. Insurance coverage generally aligns with screening guidelines, though diagnostic testing prompted by symptoms can affect costs.
Blood tests that search for multiple cancers by detecting circulating tumor DNA promise early detection, but a large UK trial showed many cancers were missed and negative results can give false reassurance; plus costs and false positives could strain health services. Traditional screening remains the proven approach for reducing deaths, though these tests may have a role in high‑risk groups or post‑treatment monitoring. They are not a magic bullet, and symptoms should still prompt medical advice; participate in trials or seek clear interpretation if such tests are offered privately.