September 8, 2008 Research: Colon cancer survivors not receiving recommended care Play video

(NECN/ABC) - Most people treated for colon cancer are not getting their recommended follow up tests, new research shows. Careful screening is important to ensure any recurrence of the cancer is caught early, but many patients aren't receiving these tests, putting their long-term health at risk.

There will be an estimated 149,000 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the United States this year.

The GOOD news is that the majority are caught early enough to have an excellent chance for a cure.

But even after surgery, patients remain at risk for a recurrence.

Guidelines call for colon cancer survivors to see their doctors at least twice a year, to have blood tests to check for cancer-related proteins, and to have regular COLONOSCOPIES.

However, a new study finds 60 per cent of colon cancer patients aren't receiving this recommended care.

Doctors examined records from more than 9,400 patients and found most DID see a physician twice a year.

But more than a quarter of the study participants had NOT had a colonoscopy in 3 years.

Fewer than HALF had the recommended blood test.

MEN and African American patients were LESS likely to have had optimal follow-up care.

Experts say DOCTORS need to make sure to schedule follow up tests for ALL patients, and then PATIENTS need to keep those appointments.

ABC's Dr. Timothy Johnson reports.