The year started strong for gastroenterology with several topics defining the specialty’s first quarter.
Here are seven recent developments in the specialty:
1. Colorectal cancer developments take center stage. As the U.S. recognizes National Colorectal Awareness Month, several developments on the disease have taken the main stage:
- The American College of Gastroenterology updated its 2009 guidelines around CRC screening, making 21 recommendations. ACG emphasized the importance of screening, alternative testing, and potentially lowering the age to start CRC screening.
- A study published in Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology examined CMS’ colonoscopy quality measure, finding it may be inaccurate.
- A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology identified the first risk factors behind early-onset CRC screening.