Colonoscopy Screening Effective in 45- to 49-Year-Olds
Screening colonoscopies in 45- to 49-year-olds yield similar rates of cancer and lesions as in 50- to 54-year-olds, according to a new analysis.
Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Northern California sought to compare yields between the two age groups to assess how a change in guidance in 2021 urging screening in the younger cohort was borne out in a real-world setting.
The researchers published their findings in JAMA , concluding that the results supported screening colonoscopy in 45- to 49-year-olds.
The study compared 4380 individuals aged 45-49 years, with 7651 who were aged 50-54. All of them underwent their first colonoscopy during 2021 to 2024. Thirty-five percent of the younger group and 40% of the older group had any adenoma.
About 4% of each group had an advanced adenoma, 10% had any sessile serrated lesion, a little under 2% had an advanced serrated lesion, and 0.1% in each group had colorectal cancer.
There were no significant differences in neoplasia prevalence between the groups by sex. The authors did note that the study group included more Asian individuals (30%) than in the general population.
Swati G. Patel, MD, MS, associate professor of medicine, at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Denver, said the Kaiser study is important because its data was aggregated after the US Preventive Services Task Force lowered the screening age in 2021.
The Kaiser research 'validates the initial studies' done to support that recommendation and the 2022 consensus statement by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, which also advocated screening in 45- to 49-year-olds.
Even though the new JAMA study found a similar rate of cancers and precursor lesions as in previous trials, it provides 'reinforcement of the rationale for decreasing the screening age,' Patel, the lead author on the consensus statement, told Medscape Medical News .
The Kaiser research is 'really powerful information,' she said.
'It certainly validates our current guidance to start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45,' said Audrey Calderwood, MD, professor of medicine, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth, New Hampshire.
The Kaiser data provides granular information to share with younger patients who might think that they don't need screening because they are healthy and don't have symptoms, said Calderwood, also director of the Comprehensive Gastroenterology Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
Colon cancer rates for Americans under age 50 have been steadily rising for the past decade, hitting about 10 cases per 100,000 in 2022, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In 2023, about 73% of eligible 50- to 75-year-olds received colorectal cancer screening based on the most recent guidelines, according to the NCI.
But screening rates in the under-50 age group are much lower. Researchers estimated in a study that only about 34.5% of those aged 45-49 received colorectal cancer screening, which included colonoscopy, stool-based tests, and CT colonography.
Patel said that estimate is 'spot on' in terms of other estimates.
'I think there's a perception that it's a cancer of older adults and that young healthy people don't need to worry about it,' she said, adding that getting the word out to younger Americans is a 'PR challenge,' in part because of squeamishness about discussing anything to do with stool and changes in how they access information.
Calderwood agreed. Younger people 'aren't chatting to their friends about' colon cancer screening the way they might about mammography, said Calderwood.
Both she and Patel noted that educating the public was an ongoing project, but that a physician's recommendation was key.
Patel said she hoped that data provided in the Kaiser study might help 'dismantle the systemic skepticism around decreasing the age recommendation' for screening.
Calderwood and Patel reported having no relevant financial relationships.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
What Happens to Your Joints When You Take Collagen
Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-GarciaCollagen supplements may support joints, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. Type II collagen is key for joint health, especially as we age and cartilage breaks down. Diet, exercise and weight management are proven ways to protect and support your feel it every time you go up the stairs, type an email or even make a delicious dinner—joint pain can touch almost every part of your day. It can affect just about anyone, at any time, depending on where and how it shows up. But what if there was a simple way to ease the ache—or even prevent it in the first place? According to some experts and social media, collagen can be it. So, does it actually work? In the early 2000s, that 'miracle fix' seemed to be glucosamine and chondroitin. Though the combo is still commercially available and many swear by its benefits, many studies have shown that it may not make a significant difference when it comes to treating osteoarthritis. Fast-forward today, and collagen supplements are stealing the spotlight—thanks in part to social media influencers who tout them with great aplomb. While collagen is typically known for its skin and hair benefits, many users are also turning to it for joint health. Still, there are plenty of voices in the mix for that, too. So, what's the real story? Can collagen truly help keep your joints feeling strong? We dug into the research and spoke with orthopedic surgeon Sean Peden, M.D., who specializes in foot and ankle care but has a broad understanding of orthopedics. 'Everybody's looking for something that's going to affect the future,' he explains. 'And I think there's some promise, both from a research and from a theoretical point of view. There are reasons to believe in it, so I think that's why it's getting popular.' Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body—making up around 30% of the total protein in most mammals. There are 28 known types of collagen, but about 90% of it is Type I, which is found in skin, bones, muscles and connective tissue. Type II collagen, however, plays a key role in joint health. 'Type II collagen, which is a specialized form, is really what you find in articular cartilage, which means joints, and that's the one that probably were the most focused on as orthopedic surgeons, because that type, that cartilage and joints, has very little reparative capacity,' says Peden. In other words, once the collagen in your joints starts to break down (a natural part of aging), your body has a hard time restoring it. This can lead to familiar issues, such as stiffness, limited range of motion and chronic discomfort. 'Articular cartilage wear is equivalent to degenerative arthritis,' Peden explains. 'This kind of cartilage has very poor ability to heal itself, especially once we are fully grown. The breakdown becomes accelerated with age, and the risk increases with things like increased body mass and trauma. As we get older, this specific cartilage increases its water content, and the collagen becomes less organized and more vulnerable to damage.' So, where do supplements come in? The idea is that taking collagen—often in type II form—might encourage the body to produce more of it, helping to maintain or even rebuild cartilage. While there might be some promise, Peden says that 'Many doctors aren't gung-ho about recommending it, because the data is just not there.' For instance, a small 2016 study found that after three months of treatment, collagen with acetaminophen improved knee pain more effectively than acetaminophen alone—but the sample size was small (just 39 participants), so further research is needed. And one 2023 paper published in Nutrients notes that while 'available research suggests a clear link between collagen ingredient composition/chemical structure and mechanism of action/efficacy, further research is required, including well-designed studies, to assess the therapeutic potential of each collagen type and composition for each clinical condition.' In other words, there really isn't enough good research to back claims just yet. That said, Peden notes that collagen supplements are generally a safe product to take. If you want to try it, you'll typically find collagen in powders, capsules or liquid form. Many people prefer capsules because they don't like the flavor of liquids and powders. According to most brands, you notice any differences after taking it for 8 to 12 weeks. For most healthy people, there's little downside to trying collagen supplements. However, there are a few things to know before you start. Support it with other nutrients: Collagen synthesis relies on key vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, zinc and copper. Many supplements already include these, but a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet will help, too. Know your source: Collagen can be derived from cows, pigs, fish and eggs. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, read the label closely. Talk to your doctor: While collagen is considered safe—even during pregnancy—and has no significant known interactions with medications, it's always a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. Eat more protein-rich foods: Peden recommends that anyone with a musculoskeletal injury consume sufficient protein. Remember, collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. 'When you eat a piece of chicken, you're going to get a decent amount of collagen in there,' he says. However, he cautions that some of that collagen doesn't get absorbed into your body. Still, eating highly collagenous foods like skin-on chicken, bone broths and whole fish, such as sardines, is a great way to get your collagen naturally. Exercise regularly: Both resistance and cardio workouts help stimulate collagen production. 'If you're using your muscles, the muscles are going to try to hypertrophy or get bigger,' says Peden. This helps with collagen production. If your joints are hurting, stick with low-impact exercises so they are achievable. Maintain a healthy weight: Of course, exercise will probably have this effect, but Peden says that one of the most evidence-based ways to improve joint health is by not putting excessive weight on them. In fact, reducing body fat is one of the most effective ways to prevent osteoarthritis. According to an older study, reducing body fat can reduce the mechanical and biochemical stressors that contribute to joint degeneration. Collagen supplements may offer some joint-friendly benefits—but they're not a cure-all. And while more science is needed to confirm this, taking a high-quality collagen product likely won't do harm. When choosing a supplement, make sure it's independently verified, since the FDA does not regulate them. And be sure to talk to a healthcare provider before starting to take one. Most importantly, don't let supplements replace what we do know works: eating a nutrient-rich diet, moving your body and maintaining a healthy weight. 'I think that the problem sometimes with supplements like this, or with any alternative treatments, is that they can kind of distract patients from the things that are evidence-based, that we know are good,' says Peden. But if you find that collagen does help you, you'll be at the forefront of a promising trend. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The Odyssey Teaser Trailer Release Date Possibly Set
A new report seems to suggest that a teaser trailer for Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated epic, , will be coming soon. Per a new report from World of Reel, a teaser trailer for the upcoming film narrated by Anne Hathaway is ready. The release for the trailer is reported to be set for sometime in July, along with screenings for Jurassic World Rebirth, which is set to release on July 2, 2025. The report goes on to say that the teaser trailer likely won't feature any real footage, in line with some of the early teasers for past Nolan films, like Oppenheimer. The Odyssey features a star-studded cast that includes Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Mia Goth, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, Corey Hawkins, Josh Stewart, Cosmo Jarvis, Jimmy Gonzales, Maurice Compte, and many more. 'Christopher Nolan's next film The Odyssey is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,' Universal said about the upcoming film. 'The film brings Homer's foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.' The Odyssey is one of two ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer, a Greek poet who is also credited as the author of the Iliad and who is often seen as one of the most influential and important authors in human history. The Odyssey follows the story of the Greek hero Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he journeys home after the Trojan War. Presumed dead, Odysseus' wife Penelope and son Telemachus contend with various suitors who compete for Penelope's hand in Odysseus' absence. The Odyssey is thought to have been written sometime in the 8th or 7th century BC and is one of the most important works in literary history. (Source: World of Reel)
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Senate bill's Medicaid cuts draw some GOP angst
The Senate's deep cuts to Medicaid in the tax and spending megabill are setting off alarm bells among some Republicans, complicating leadership's effort to get the legislation passed by July 4. It seeks to clamp down on two tactics states use to boost Medicaid funding to hospitals: state-directed payments and Medicaid provider taxes. The restrictions are a major concern for rural hospitals, a key constituency for senators. Republicans have set an ambitious July 4 deadline to pass the bill and send it to President Trump to be signed into law. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who has been warning his colleagues about making cuts to Medicaid for weeks, said the changes took him by surprise. 'I had no idea that they were going to completely scrap the House framework with this. I mean, this totally caught me by surprise. And I've talked to other senators, and that's what I've heard consistently from everybody I've talked to, that no one was expecting this entirely new framework,' Hawley told reporters Tuesday. States impose taxes on providers to boost their federal Medicaid contributions, which they then direct back to hospitals in the form of higher reimbursements. Critics argue it's a scheme for states to get more federal funding without spending any of their own money. But provider taxes have become ingrained into states' Medicaid financing systems. States and provider groups say the taxes provide a steady source of financing for hospitals that operate on thin margins and would otherwise face closure. 'The draconian Medicaid cuts contained in the Senate bill would devastate health care access for millions of Americans and hollow out the vital role essential hospitals play in their communities,' said Bruce Siegel, president and CEO of America's Essential Hospitals, an organization that represents hospitals that serve low-income patients. The legislation would effectively cap provider taxes at 3.5 percent by 2031, down from the current 6 percent, but only for the states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The cap would be phased in by lowering it 0.5 percent annually, starting in 2027. Nonexpansion states would be prohibited from imposing new taxes, but as was true in the House-passed version, their rates would be frozen at current levels. The lower cap would not apply to nursing homes or intermediate care facilities. All states except for Alaska finance part of their share of Medicaid funding through health care provider taxes, and 38 states have at least one provider tax that exceeds 5.5 percent. When asked if his concerns were enough to make him vote against the bill if it were brought to the floor as written, Hawley hedged. 'It needs a lot of work, so I would say maybe we could, I guess, try to fix it on the floor, but it'd be better to do it beforehand,' he told reporters. Republicans can afford to lose only three votes in the Senate and still pass their bill if Democrats remain united in opposition. Sen. Jim Justice ( said he was also surprised by the Senate's change. If provider tax changes are on the table, he said he wants leadership to keep the House version. Justice wouldn't say how he would vote if the provision was left unchanged but expressed some unease about the July 4 deadline. 'I promise you, I won't rubber-stamp anything,' Justice said. 'I want this thing to come out and come out quickly, but when it really boils right down to it, you may have to hold your nose on some things that you just absolutely don't like because we can't like everything.' Similarly, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) indicated he would also prefer the House-passed freeze on provider taxes but was still analyzing the impact on his state. Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016. Senate Republican leaders huddled with members Tuesday during a closed-door caucus lunch to talk through the details of the bill. Speaking to reporters afterward, Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said leadership was listening to members' concerns, especially about provider taxes. 'We think [the changes] rebalance the program in a way that provides the right incentives to cover the people who are supposed to be covered,' Thune said. 'We continue to hear from members specifically on components or pieces of the bill they want to see modified or changed, and we are working through that.' Members were also briefed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, who downplayed the impact of a lower provider tax cap. 'We do not believe that addressing the provider tax effort is going to influence the ability of hospitals to stay viable,' Oz told reporters. Without weighing in on the exact details, Oz said some changes to provider taxes and state-directed payments should be included. 'The framework of addressing the legalized money laundering with state-directed payments and provider taxes must be in this bill, it should be in this bill,' Oz said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
