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Part of the College's mission is to educate the public and physicians about the remarkable effectiveness and safety of colonoscopy in the hands of trained and skilled endoscopists. These educational materials were developed as a resource for ACG members, primary care physicians and patients to help address many of the scientific issues surrounding colorectal cancer screening and to provide answers to some of the most pressing and important questions regarding colorectal cancer.
NEW COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINES
PUBLISHED MARCH 2009
The American College of Gastroenterology has issued updated screening guidelines for colorectal cancer in the March issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology. The guideline offers new graded recommendations for screening in an update of those published by ACG in 2000. Click here to read the new guideline.
Key Recommendations in New ACG Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline:
- Colonoscopy every 10 years is the preferred colorectal cancer prevention test.
- Annual fecal immunochemical testing is the preferred colorectal cancer detection test.
- African Americans should begin colorectal screening with colonoscopy at age 45.
- To improve the effectiveness and tolerability of bowel preparation, the ACG now recommends “split dosing.”
SLIDES FOR PHYSICANS DEVELOPED BY ACG EXPERTS
New Slide Set: Quality and Efficiency Measures for Colonoscopy
Click here to download a “read only” version of this 38-slide PowerPoint presentation.
Note: Click the link above and click Save. When opening the file, a pop-up box will appear asking for a password. In this box, leave the password field blank and click the Read Only button on the right to access the presentation.
One of the ACG’s primary objectives in updating its colorectal cancer guideline was to focus attention on the importance of quality colonoscopy. The overall impact of colonoscopy depends critically on high quality baseline examinations. Therefore, ACG recommends that screening colonoscopies be performed by appropriately trained and skilled examiners who are dedicated to consistent performance of high quality examinations. The College has both endorsed and developed quality indicators for colonoscopy and the new guideline offers extensive recommendations to physicians aimed to enhance colonoscopy’s quality and effectiveness in cancer detection.
Developed by distinguished experts, the new slides offer ACG member physicians a convenient overview of key quality issues such as:
- Quality – why should you care?
- Published quality indicators for colonoscopy
- Standards for documentation of endoscopic procedures
New Slide Set: ACG Colon Cancer Screening: New Guidelines…and Insights
Click here to download a “read only” version of this 86-slide PowerPoint presentation.
Note: Click the link above and click Save. When opening the file, a pop-up box will appear asking for a password. In this box, leave the password field blank and click the Read Only button on the right to access the presentation.
This comprehensive overview of the College’s new colorectal cancer screening guidelines provides a useful resource for recommendations for both average risk patients and high risk patients. Beyond an updated review of ACG’s recommended options for screening, the slide set looks at new risk profiles for African Americans, heavy smokers and obese patients.
PATIENT EDUCATION MATERIALS
Your Doctor Has Ordered a Colonoscopy. What Questions Should You Ask? (PDF)
This succinct Q&A style educational piece features key questions that any patient undergoing colonoscopy should ask to ensure the best possible experience. Its informative tone reviews issues such as specialty training in gastroenterology and colonoscopy, as well as the experience and specials skills of trained colonoscopists.
Virtual Colonoscopy. Frequently Asked Questions about CT Colonography. (PDF)
Media attention to news about CT colonography or “virtual colonoscopy” has raised questions in the minds of many consumers. This brochure answers these questions in clear and concise language, offering a balanced perspective on X-ray tests of the abdomen and their role in colorectal cancer screening and prevention.
Questions and Answers about Quality in Colonoscopy (PDF)
For patients, understanding quality in colonoscopy will help to ensure you receive the most effective and safe colonoscopy possible. This Q&A style piece offers expert advice from the American College of Gastroenterology to help you become both a well-informed health care consumer, and to find a colonoscopist who is committed to providing high quality examinations.
What is a Gastroenterologist? (PDF)
This educational tool reviews the unique training, qualifications and skills of gastrointestinal specialists in straightforward terms. An essential patient education tool.
NEW PUBLIC AWARENESS MESSAGES
The College sponsored an advertising effort in March 2004 in major national daily newspapers regarding colon cancer in observance of March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This informative series of two advertisements presents up-to-date scientific information to a lay audience while urging adults over 50 to be screened for colorectal cancer.
ACG Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness Message #1 March 2004 (PDF)
ACG Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness Message #2 March 2004 (PDF)
COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS POSTER IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH
A straightforward call-to-action and compelling design in a handy 8.5 x 11 size make this piece perfect for use as a flyer, mailer or handout. Double-sided with English and Spanish language text on opposite sides. Download this poster for use with your patients. Click here for PDF.
NEW POSTER: COLORECTAL CANCER: YOU CAN PREVENT IT (2007)
This new tool for ACG members reflects the College's commitment to educating the public about the lifesaving potential of colorectal cancer screening. The poster measures 36 x 18. Click here for PDF.
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