Article Content

Final recommendation on colorectal cancer screening. The new U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for colorectal cancer screening lowers the age for starting screening from 50 to 45 years. The task force notes a substantial net benefit in screening adults ages 50 to 76 and a moderate net benefit in those ages 45 to 49. Screening in adults ages 76 to 85 should still be done selectively; those who have never been screened are likely to benefit, but there is small net benefit for others in that age group. The recommendations apply to asymptomatic adults at average risk for colorectal cancer. Frequency of screening depends on the type of screening strategies used, ranging from annually for high-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood testing to every 10 years for colonoscopy.