The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is rising in people aged between 20 and 49 years.1-3
Since the 1990s, the number of new cases in young people has been increasing globally. People born in 1990 onwards have double the risk of colon cancer compared to people born in 1950.3,4It is recommended that individuals experiencing any symptoms of colorectal cancer consult their general practitioner for appropriate investigation.5
In 2023, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) endorsed clinical practice guidelines in population screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) were updated to recommend that population screening starts at age 45, instead of 50, as well as providing advice about targeted screening for people without symptoms who are at higher-than-average risk.5
Build your knowledge on early-onset colorectal cancer through this CPD-accredited series.
colorectal cancer diagnoses in Australia are in people < 50 years old 4,6
years of healthy life were lost due to colorectal cancer in 2022 7
Earn Measuring Outcomes (MO) hours with two audit activities focusing on colorectal cancer in general practice
Audit one patient diagnosed with CRC who is receiving ongoing treatment or has completed treatment and is in remission for CRC, considering the physical, mental and social impacts of post-treatment CRC and any perceived barriers to care.
Audit three patients presenting with signs and symptoms potentially associated with CRC, considering their general medical care, recommendations and referrals, and any preventative advice provided.
References:
1. Feletto E, et al. Trends in Colon and Rectal Cancer Incidence in Australia from 1982 to 2014: Analysis of Data on Over 375,000 Cases. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2019 Jan;28(1):83-90
2. Young, J.P., et al. Early-onset colorectal cancer. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015;30:6-13.
3. Siegel RL, Torre LA, Soerjomataram I, et al. Global patterns and trends in colorectal cancer incidence in young adults. Gut. 2019;68(12):2179-2185.
4. Bowel Cancer Australia. Early-onset bowel cancer. Available at https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/young-onset. Accessed January 2024.
5. Cancer Council Australia. Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, early detection and management of colorectal cancer: Population screening. September 2023. Available at https://www.cancer.org.au/clinical-guidelines/bowel-cancer/colorectal-cancer. Accessed January 2024.
6. Bowel Cancer Australia. 45 is the new 50: Screening age drops due to rising rates of bowel cancer in under 50s. Published 23 October 2023. Available at https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/media-centre/45-is-the-new-50-screening-age-drops-due-to-rising-rates-of-bowel-cancer-in-under-50s. Accessed January 2024.
7. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australian Burden of Disease Study 2022. Available at https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/australian-burden-of-disease-study-2022/contents/summary. Accessed January 2024.
These educational activities were developed by Lateral Connections at the request of and with funding from Bowel Cancer Australia.
Lateral Connections is an Education Provider under the RACGP and ACRRM CPD Programs. Activities developed by Lateral Connections can be registered with your chosen CPD Home.
These educational activities were developed by Lateral Connections at the request of and with funding from Bowel Cancer Australia.
Lateral Connections is an Education Provider under the RACGP and ACRRM CPD Programs. Activities developed by Lateral Connections can be registered with your chosen CPD Home.
