ACG/ASGE Best Practices 2026
Dr. Aasma Shaukat, NYU
Colon
State of the Art in CRC Screening & Surveillance Colonoscopy
The future of colon cancer screening is here — and it's an opportunity, not a threat, for gastroenterologists.
6 Core Sections6 Quiz QuestionsNEJM · JAMA · CGH 2024–2026
The Screening Gap
Why we still have a problem
The Uncomfortable Truth
Despite having multiple effective screening options available, nearly half of eligible Americans remain unscreened for colorectal cancer — one of the most preventable cancers we know.
59%
Current CRC Screening Rate
Adults aged 45+
80%
Target Screening Rate
National health goal
41.7%
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Serving vulnerable/underserved populations — lowest rates
Why This Matters
CRC is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the US, yet it is highly preventable with timely screening. The gap between 59% and 80% represents millions of undetected early cancers and precancerous lesions.
Why Patients Aren't Getting Screened
Prep aversion / fear of colonoscopy
No symptoms → perceived low risk
Access barriers & insurance gaps
Lack of physician recommendation
Health literacy gaps
Cultural and language barriers
Key Insight
The solution is not one test — it's offering the right test to the right patient. Adherence to ANY approved screening modality is the most important variable.