Digestive Disease Week 2023 in Chicago was a key event with significant focus on the latest data on colorectal cancer, including subsequent cancer diagnoses, cell-free DNA blood test for screening, and the impact of aspirin and NSAID use.
A study revealed that 16% of early-onset colorectal cancer survivors developed a second cancer, with a higher risk among men. Another study showed a cell-free DNA blood-based test having 83% sensitivity for colorectal cancer detection and 90% specificity in an average-risk population, similar to the performance of current noninvasive screening options.
In addition to colorectal cancer, there was also coverage of treatment options for Clostridioides difficile infection and Crohn’s disease. Furthermore, a significant rise in liver failures and transplants due to high-risk drinking, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, was also highlighted.