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Colon Age: A Metric for Whether and How to Screen Male Veterans for Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

  • 0Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Cancer Prevention Research (philadelphia, Pa.) +

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June 12, 2024

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June 12, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A new "colon age" metric helps estimate early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) risk in men under 50. This tool aids shared decision-making for screening, especially for those with risk factors.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Biostatistics

Background

  • Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is a growing concern, necessitating improved risk stratification for individuals under 50.
  • Current screening guidelines may not adequately address the rising incidence of EOCRC in younger populations.
  • Risk assessment tools are crucial for personalized screening decisions in pre-age 50 individuals.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop and validate a novel metric, "colon age," for estimating EOCRC risk in male veterans younger than 50.
  • To inform decisions regarding the necessity and method of colorectal cancer screening for this demographic.
  • To provide a tool for shared decision-making between patients and providers.

Main Methods

  • Utilized risk prediction models derived and validated on male veteran data.
  • Calculated relative risks (RRs) for various risk factor scenarios (low, intermediate, high) across age groups (35-39, 40-44, 45-49).
  • Estimated absolute EOCRC risk using SEER incidence rates and RRs, defining "colon age" based on matched SEER 5-year age groups.

Main Results

  • The "colon age" metric demonstrated potential utility in shared decision-making for screening male veterans under 50.
  • Inconsistencies between models were noted for younger age groups (35-44), with only the 15-variable model recommending screening for high-risk 35-39 year olds.
  • Models showed alignment for most 45-49 year olds, with the 7-variable model potentially preferred for clinical use.

Conclusions

  • The "colon age" metric, integrating risk factors and incidence rates, may enhance EOCRC screening decisions for male veterans under 50.
  • The 7-variable model appears suitable for screening decisions in 45-49 year olds.
  • This metric aids in understanding and communicating colorectal cancer risk for proactive screening.