USPSTF Lowers Colorectal Cancer Screening Age to 45 in Draft Recommendation

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for the first time is recommending colorectal cancer screening for asymptomatic, average-risk adults as young as age 45. The draft recommendation carries a grade B — that is, there's "moderate certainty that the net benefit of screening for colorectal cancer in adults ages 45 to 49 years is moderate."

The USPSTF notes that while the risk for colorectal cancer is much lower in adults under age 50 than in older adults, evidence suggests increasing incidence in the younger age group. In 2018, the American Cancer Society also issued a "qualified recommendation" to begin screening at age 45.

The task force still gives a grade A recommendation to screening in those aged 50 to 75, as there's high certainty that the net benefit is substantial. In addition, for adults aged 76 to 85, the USPSTF advises that healthcare providers "selectively offer" screening (grade C recommendation).

The draft recommendation statement is open to public comment until Nov. 23 (follow the link below).