Bad News About Colonoscopies, Good News on Cancer Drugs, Spread the News Awareness Dates

In 2021, the cost of initial cancer screening in the United States reached more than $43 billion. This amount includes total healthcare system costs for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate screening. 

Unfortunately for GI doctors and their patients, new restrictions on colonoscopies might affect their screening protocols — which will have a profound impact on patients. 

Why? Colonoscopies are expensive. 

The largest share of the $43.2 billion was CRC screenings via colonoscopy, which accounted for $23.7 billion, or 55% of the total. All other CRC screenings combined cost another $3.8 billion.

Lower the number of colonoscopies, lower the cost of cancer screenings in the U.S. 

Makes sense. However, it also makes sense that initial screenings are key to early detection, treatment options, and survival rates. 

According to Tim Sowerby, MD. (a gastroenterologist at MarinHealth Medical Center in California), colonoscopies do more than detect cancer — they help prevent it. 

In a recent roundtable with Becker’s, Dr. Sowerby explains that “almost all colon cancers develop from benign polyps and removing adenoma prevents the development of colon cancers.” 

This prophylactic identification and removal of potentially premalignant polyps is the real value in the procedure — and, most GI doctors would agree, worth every penny. 

While non-invasive tests can detect most cancers, they cannot reliably detect potentially precancerous polyps. Waiting for malignant cancer to appear before taking action means patients will receive more harrowing diagnoses and prognoses. Their treatment options could be limited or increasingly dangerous, and survival rates could plummet.

Non-Invasive Colon Cancer Screening Options

There are other CRC screening options such as non-invasive Cologuard and fecal immunochemical testing, but are the results as reliable as a colonoscopy? Dr. Hitesh Chokshi, a gastroenterologist in Atlanta, says no. 

Dr. Chokshi argues that colonoscopies are still the gold standard of screenings — and “compared to DNA-based stool and blood tests at their current pricing, still most cost-effective.” 

Many doctors can read the writing on the wall and are predicting that there will be a shift to noninvasive tests, especially if their costs come down. Furthermore, non-invasive tests may become the favored choice based on patient comorbidities and resource availability. 

As Chokshi explains, “If there is a shortage of anesthesia personnel, or of G.I. personnel, such that gastroenterologists are unable to provide care for patients with illnesses either as inpatient or outpatient due to the time burden of doing colonoscopies, non-invasive screening tests may be utilized in order to free up those resources to help take care of the general population.”

Recent News on New Cancer Drugs

Now for some good news: There have been several significant developments in cancer treatment recently, with new drugs and therapies showing promise across various types of cancer.

• Lifileucel: This therapy, recently approved by the FDA, is a form of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. It’s a cellular therapy designed to treat advanced melanoma. Lifileucel has shown effectiveness, particularly in patients whose cancer hasn’t spread extensively. Although it requires the patient to be relatively healthy to undergo treatment, this approval marks a significant step in using cellular therapies for solid tumors, not just blood cancers​.

• Silmitasertib (CX-4945): This “orphan drug” is under trial for potential use in treating biliary tract cancer, currently a rare and malignant disease with no effective therapies. This drug is also in trials for treating pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors. Research shows early but promising steps towards potentially offering a new treatment option for these challenging cases, as CX-4945 may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

• DSP-5336: This drug has received a fast-track designation from the FDA for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with specific genetic mutations (NPM1/KMT2A). Fast-track status is granted to expedite the review process of drugs that could fill an unmet medical need, suggesting DSP-5336 could be a crucial option for AML patients.

These examples reflect ongoing advancements in cancer treatment, with a focus on personalized and cellular therapies, as well as efforts to address difficult-to-treat cancers through innovative drug development.

Key Cancer Awareness Dates In October

October is widely recognized as the month for Halloween decorations and parties. October is also a significant month for cancer awareness, particularly for breast cancer. We don’t have to tell you that cancer is no party — and can be quite scary, both for those diagnosed and their loved ones. 

The following dates are widely recognized and supported by various organizations and communities around the world to help in the fight against cancer.

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Entire Month): October is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, promoting early detection, and supporting those affected by the disease.

• Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day (October 13): This day focuses on raising awareness about metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer, which is when the cancer has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body.

• National Mammography Day (Third Friday in October): This day encourages women to schedule their annual mammograms, emphasizing the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer.

• World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (Second Saturday in October): Although not specific to cancer, this day is significant for those dealing with life-limiting illnesses, including cancer, focusing on the importance of palliative care and support.

We applaud the Champions of Care who work tirelessly in GI practices, oncology units, and research facilities, dedicating their energy and intellect to finding a cure and better treatment options for people diagnosed with cancer.

Champion Medical Recliners for Oncology Settings

When it comes to better treatment options for cancer patients, Champion’s Alō Collection of medical recliners is ideal for both treatment and recovery in oncology settings. 

When successful outcomes are at stake, our oncology recliners offer industry-leading comfort. Our innovative products help alleviate patient stress and anxiety by allowing them to recline and rest, promote the healing and recovery process, and offer physicians and caregivers better — and safer — access. 

These benefits are just one way we help create a patient experience that leads to better outcomes. We also offer proprietary surface coverings for added protection against infection, part of our commitment to compassionate care for immunocompromised patients. 

To view our entire portfolio of products, browse our digital catalog. Then, request a quote for your facility.