What Are the Latest Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening?
What Are the Latest Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening?
Guideline Overview
Staying updated with the latest screening guidelines is crucial for effective colorectal cancer prevention.
Contents
- When to Start and Stop Screening
- Types of Recommended Tests
- Importance of Follow-Up
When to Start and Stop Screening
Current guidelines recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for those at average risk. Screening should continue until age 75, provided the patient has a life expectancy of at least 10 more years. After 75, the decision to continue screening should be individualized based on health status and prior screening history.
Types of Recommended Tests
The guidelines endorse several tests, including colonoscopy every 10 years, annual FIT, and multitarget stool DNA tests every 1 to 3 years. Each test has its own frequency and detection capabilities, so the choice often depends on patient preference and access.
Importance of Follow-Up
Following up on abnormal screening results is vital. Any positive test, other than a colonoscopy, requires a timely follow-up colonoscopy to assess the entire colon. This step is crucial to ensure any potential issues are addressed before they develop further.
FAQs
When should screening start?
Screening should start at age 45 for average-risk individuals.
What are the recommended tests?
Colonoscopy, annual FIT, and multitarget stool DNA tests.
Why is follow-up important?
It ensures potential issues are thoroughly evaluated.
When should screening stop?
At age 75, unless individual health factors suggest otherwise.
The Big Picture
Adhering to screening guidelines is a crucial step in preventing colorectal cancer.
Additional References
- US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Mangione CM, et al. Collaboration and Shared Decision-Making Between Patients and Clinicians in Preventive Health Care Decisions and US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations. JAMA 2022; 327:1171.
- Doubeni CA, et al. Development and evaluation of safety and effectiveness of novel cancer screening tests for routine clinical use with applications to multicancer detection technologies. Cancer 2022; 128 Suppl 4:883.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.