Study questions routine colorectal cancer screening for seniors over 75
Findings indicate that older adults should consult their physicians about colonoscopy necessity, as the risks of cancer are outweighed by other health concerns in this age group.
UC San Diego Health recently led a study weighing the risks and benefits of screening adults over 75 for colorectal cancer, the cutoff age for recommended screening. The university’s Dr. Samir Gupta spearheaded the research of U.S. veterans, according to a release.
The more than 90,000 participants were all over the age of 75 and had previous colonoscopies. The researchers found that “the risks of older adults developing colorectal cancer from previous adenomas was much lower than their risks of dying of causes other than colorectal cancer.” They noted that older adults should speak with their physicians about receiving a colonoscopy and that they may need to focus on other health concerns rather than surveillance.
