Renee L. Williams, MD: The Importance of Colonoscopies

Colonoscopies still remain the best option for screening patients for colorectal cancer.

In an interview with HCPLive® during the 2022 American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Annual Meeting in Charlotte, Renee L. Williams, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at NYU Langone discussed how important it is for individuals to get a colonoscopy once they turn 45 years.

Williams talked in favor of the recent decision to reduce the recommended age for colorectal cancer screenings from 50 years to 45 years. She said the move was especially important because there has been an increase in incidence of colorectal cancers in recent years, particularly among younger individuals.

In recent weeks there has been a debate over whether colonoscopies are the best screening option for colorectal cancers. However, adherence to tests is likely the most important factor over which screening tool is used.

“I think the best test is the 1 that gets done,” Williams said.

However, she also said colonoscopies still remain the best option.

“The thing about colonoscopies is that it is a 1 stop shop,” Williams said. “Essentially we go in and we see something and take it out.”

She said the advantage of the colonoscopy is that if another test, such as a stool-based test, is positive, the patient will still need a colonoscopy.