Elders May be Given More Colonoscopies Than Needed, Agrees Elder Law Attorney
Jun 21, 2013
Bloomfield Hills, MI (Law Firm Newswire) June 20, 2013 – Too many seniors are being given colonoscopies too often, a new study states.
A recent study in the American Medical Association’s JAMA Internal Medicine stated that many seniors report “a strong moral obligation” when it comes to undergoing medical testing, even in their advanced years. But many medical professionals are advising them that the risks that come with screenings such as colonoscopies and other medical procedures may not be worth it.
Though all Americans are urged by multiple advocacy groups to begin colorectal cancer screening at age 50, little public awareness exists of when someone may wish to stop screening for cancer and some other diseases. In 2008, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force surveyed multiple years of research, and determined that routine screening for colorectal cancer after age 75 was unnecessary, and any screening was unnecessary in individuals over the age of 85.
“Screening for individuals over the age of 50 is common sense,” agrees Michigan elder law attorney Christopher Berry. “But there may be an age cap after which it simply is not necessary.”
Routine screening for the group most at risk is the best way to catch any issues early, say advocates. But though colonoscopies are not used often enough to catch colorectal cancers in those over 50, critics say they are being used as a screening tool on too many elderly patients.
In 2011, a study was overseen by geriatrician Dr. James Goodwin at the University of Texas Medical Branch. His study looked at a sample of Medicare beneficiaries from across the U.S. and researchers determined that seniors were typically given colonoscopies more often than generally recommended by medical guidelines.
A repeat test is suggested 10 years after a first negative colonoscopy, but the study showed that almost 50 percent of patients who had negative colonoscopies were given another within three-to-five years. Twenty-five percent of them were recommended when there had been no notable medical indication of potential concern.
Looking at 2008 – 2009 Medicare data for Texas-based patients above the age of 70 who underwent a screening colonoscopy, researchers found that 23 percent of the tests were “potentially inappropriate,” or performed with no overt medical issues or too soon after the last one.
Though screening can catch many issues, Goodwin agrees, colon cancer is such a slow-growing disease that for the very elderly, if it has not developed by a certain age, it likely will not be the disease to be concerned about. And with colonoscopies, even the prep can come with a certain amount of discomfort for older patients.
Learn more at http://www.michiganelderlawattorney.com/
The Elder Care Firm of Christopher J. Berry
2550 S Telegraph Rd.
Ste 255
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Local: 248.481.4000
Toll free: 855-41-Elder (855-413-5337)
- Considering The Move To A Nursing Home: First Steps
If you are considering a move to a nursing home or are assisting a loved one as they attempt to choose the nursing home that will best suit their needs, you already know that trying to determine the best place can be difficult, both emotionally and from a purely practical standpoint. How do you even […] - Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. While there is much made of child and domestic abuse in the media, elder abuse falls on deaf ears. Contrary to public perception, elder abuse is not confined to institutions, and happens in the community. June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Now is the time […] - Updates to the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease
These changes are part of a concerted effort to offer improved protection to those who are receiving long-term care. The National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease has been updated by the Department of Health and Human Service, including its perspective on the vulnerability of older Americans who live in care facilities. Because of the vulnerability […] - Livonia Estate Planning Includes Creating Your Legacy
One of the most overlooked aspects of estate planning is the opportunity to create your legacy. Believe it or not, creating a legacy isn’t all about having Livonia libraries and hospitals named after you. Instead, there are some more cost-efficient, yet great ways that you can help your family remember your values and beliefs. A […]
