Colorectal Cancer Screening in Asymptomatic Average-Risk Adults

The American College of Physicians reconciles various published guidelines in its guidance statement for colorectal cancer screening.

Sponsoring Organization: American College of Physicians (ACP)

Background

Because guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening vary in recommended tests and ages to start and stop screening, the ACP graded recommendations from six recent major guidelines (American College of Radiology, American Cancer Society [ACS], U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer [MSTF], and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) to offer summary guidance.

Key Recommendations

Average-risk adults with life expectancy of >10 years should start screening at age 50 and should discontinue screening after age 75. When comorbid conditions shorten life expectancy, patients m…

Reviewing Author

Daniel D. Dressler, MD, MSc, SFHM, FACP

Disclosures

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill; Elsevier

Editorial BoardsMedical Clinics of North America; Caribbean Medical Journal International Advisory Panel (2021–2026)