Colorectal cancer screening rates remain below national targets in the general U.S. population, but a large new study suggested that adherence might be substantially higher among military members, retirees and their families.
High Rates of HIV, HPV and Toxic Exposure Make Anal Cancer a Concern for Veterans
Veterans are at especially high risk for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC) because of high rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV). It also is one of the gastrointestinal cancers considered a presumptive service condition for those deployed to many areas in the Middle East and Africa.
The Interplay of Military Exposures, Diagnostic Delay and Precision Medicine in CRC
Care for a veteran with a new diagnosis of colorectal cancer in 2025 reflects a treatment algorithm that is more precise, more individualized, and more effective than anything available 10 years ago.
Molecular Profiling Now Guides Every Major CRC Treatment Decision
A veteran sits across from his or her VA oncologist with a new diagnosis of metastatic colorectal cancer. Ten years ago, the conversation followed a well-traveled path: Treatment included a chemotherapy doublet, maybe with a biologic. CRC was no less molecularly complex, but fewer biomarkers had been identified or targeted.
Colorectal Cancer in Veterans: Keeping Pace With a Rapidly Changing Disease
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is, at first glance, a public health success story. Incidence among adults over 50 has fallen nearly 50% since the mid-1980s, driven by the steady expansion of colonoscopy screening and the removal polyps before they can progress. Mortality rates in the over-50 population similarly have declined.
The CRC Map Is Complete. How to Use It?
In the mapping of colorectal cancer for much of the past three decades the dominant question has been “which molecular features of this tumor matter?” Now, the question shifts to “how can veterans benefit?”
VA and IBD Care: Not Enough Anemia Treatment but Vitamin D Research Promising
Anemia is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affecting patient quality of life and clinical outcomes. A recent study examined anemia management practices and clinical outcomes in a national cohort of veterans with IBD.
MHS Colon Cancer Surgical Outcomes Didn’t Differ by Race, Ethnicity
While access to care is known to be a contributor to racial-ethnic differences in treatment receipt and survival of colon cancer in the United States, is that also the case with colon cancer surgery?
VA Falls Short in Anemia Care for IBD Patients
Anemia is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), affecting patient quality of life and clinical outcomes. A recent study examined anemia management practices and clinical outcomes in a national cohort of veterans with IBD.
Could Epstein-Barr Virus Be a Hidden Trigger for Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease (CD), a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), has long been attributed to a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. While bacteria in the gut microbiome have been extensively studied, viruses—particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)—might play a more critical role in early disease development than previously understood.
Study: Veterans With Positive Fecal Immunochemical Test Results Should Have Prompt Colonoscopy
To help combat post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer, veterans with a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) should undergo prompt colonoscopy and follow-ups as needed, a recent study found.
Some NSAID Use Associated With Reduced Risk of CRC in Older Adults
Nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NA-NSAIDs) have been linked with a range of adverse effects in older adults, including gastrointestinal issues like ulcers and bleeding, cardiovascular problems such as heart failure and increased blood pressure and potential kidney damage.
A Range of Factors Put Veterans at Higher Colorectal Cancer Risk
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major health threat in the United States, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among men and women combined.
VA Offers Pathway through First-Line Treatment Options for mCRC
The VA diagnoses approximately 4,000 new CRC cases annually. More than half of people with CRC either have metastatic disease at diagnosis or will develop it
The Importance of Hyperselection in Treating Metastatic CRC
Recent research in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) demonstrates that personalized therapy outperforms broad approaches to treatment of this challenging malignancy in federal medicine and elsewhere.
Staying Ahead of EFGR Dermatological Toxicities in CRC
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors such as panitumumab are pivotal in treating metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with wild-type KRAS mutations in the first, second and third lines, especially in patients with wild-type RAS genes.
Care Access Doesn’t Explain Racial Disparities in Rectal Cancer
Does differential access to care explain racial disparities in treatment and outcomes of rectal cancer? A new study from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences suggested that other factors are likely to be at play.
Red Flag Signs, Symptoms Could Mean Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States and worldwide, with about 4,000 cases diagnosed each year in the VA alone. While the rate of colorectal cancer among older individuals—who traditionally were at greatest risk—has decreased in recent years, the incidence in younger people has been increasing at an “alarming rate,” according to a recent study.
Using ‘Colon Age’ to Determine Cancer Screening for Veterans Younger Than 50
A new metric, so-called colon age, has been developed to help estimate the risk for early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) in male veterans.
New Guidelines Make Targeted Therapy Recommendations for CRC
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recently developed recommendations for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
More Research Needed on MMPs, Especially in CRC Patients With IBD
An important research focus in colorectal cancer concerns the enzymes comprising the 24-member matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of zinc- and calcium-dependent endopeptidases.
Understanding of KRAS Variations and Their Management Is Evolving
Since 2010, KRAS molecular testing has been guideline-recommended in the VA healthcare system. The goal has been to help determine how metastatic cancer is likely to respond to anti-EGFR drug therapy.
VA Pushes to Increase Uptake of Genomic, Other Precision-Testing in CRC
Patients receiving oncology care within a VHA facility are eligible for genomic- and other precision-testing, if they have an advanced-stage tumor or blood cancer and can tolerate recommended therapies.
Epidemiological Changes in CRC Will Have Significant Impact on VHA
The VA treats about 3% of all cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the United States each year—6% among cases in men. So, any epidemiological changes have an outsized effect on the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system.
Multilevel Intervention Aligns Colorectal Cancer-Screening Use With Benefit
Each year, the VA diagnoses some 4,000 new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) in veterans. Colorectal cancer screening can help detect cancer early, when it is most treatable. But the benefits of screening in older adults varies by individual, according to a new study.
CRC Screening Levels Too Low for Veterans With Anemia, Hematochezia
Already the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing in adults younger than 50. Early-age onset CRC (EAOCRC) is often diagnosed at later stages, which require more intense treatment, according to a new study.
What Drives Higher CRC Rates, Worse Survival Among Blacks in U.S.?
If screening availability was equalized, the U.S. Black population would have a greater colorectal cancer incidence reduction than the White population, because of its slightly higher risk, according to a new study.
CRC Screening Too Low for Veterans With Anemia, Hematochezia
Among veterans with hematochezia, those aged 30 to 49 years were more likely to receive diagnostic testing than adults younger than 30 years of age.
MHS Patients Receive Earlier Diagnoses for Colorectal, Other Cancers
Military Health System patients tend to receive earlier diagnoses of colon cancer and other types of malignancies than members of the general U.S. population covered by insurance, especially Medicaid.
Adenoma Detection Rate, Other Factors Important in Avoiding Advanced CRC
Polypectomy can reduce the incidence of and mortality from colorectal cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
