Guidelines Updated for Colon Cancer Screening

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its guidelines for colorectal cancer, the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US.

It recommends screening start at age 45 for people with an average risk of the disease, five years earlier than the previous recommendation of age 50.

If someone is at high risk of colorectal cancer, for example, if they have a family history of the disease, or even a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, they need to begin screening even earlier.

Why the change in guidelines? An ACS study found that colorectal cancer rates have been increasing in younger Americans, particularly for people in their 20s. In fact, a 28-year-old has four times the risk of colorectal cancer as a 68-year-old.

There are several ways to screen for colorectal cancer, and the ACS advises people to discuss the options with their doctor.

The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is 90% if discovered before it spreads; but today only 39% of cases are diagnosed that early. The ACS expects that early detection, which begins with early screening, will result in vastly different outcomes for those with the disease.

At Laurel Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Keansburg, NJ, our residents receive the highest quality skilled nursing and rehabilitative care in a homelike and compassionate environment conducive to healing.

Our family-owned and -operated 123-bed facility, is tucked away in the quiet beach town of Keansburg, NJ at the Jersey Shore, within sight of Sandy Hook and the New York City skyline.

Our services include short-term rehab, long-term care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospice care, and respite care for those times when the caretaker needs to be taken care of.

We proudly provide the following specialty healthcare services: complex medical care management, intravenous (IV) therapy, wound care, enteral feeding, pain management, oxygen therapy, tracheostomy care, a dedicated pulmonary program, hospice care with private suites, a stroke rehab program, respiratory support, eye care, dental care, podiatry care, and psychological consults and counseling.

We pride ourselves on healing the entire patient through a holistic and individualized approach.

Our meticulous care planning helps us ensure that each and every resident receives the best in clinical care, support and unconditional love.

For over 25 years, we have been a staple of health and wellness, serving the members of our community and partnering with our local hospitals like Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, NJ and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ.

We provide a tailored program of physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as all types of specialized care under one roof.

Read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, wellness.comand caring.com to hear what our residents and their families have to say.

Or better yet, come see for yourself. Contact us to schedule a tour by clicking here or by calling (372) 787-8100.

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