USPSTF revises colorectal cancer screening recommendations

The U.S Preventive Services Task Force expanded the recommended ages for colorectal cancer screening to 45 to 75 years; previously, it was 50 to 75 years.

The USPSTF continues to recommend selectively screening adults aged 76 to 85 years for colorectal cancer.

The revised recommendations apply to people 45 years and older who do not have signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer and who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. (ie, no prior diagnosis of colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease; no personal diagnosis or family history of known genetic disorders that predispose them to a high lifetime risk of colorectal cancer [such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis]).

Recommended screening strategies include:

·        High-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test (HSgFOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year

·         Stool DNA-FIT every 1 to 3 years

·         Computed tomography colonography every 5 years

·         Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years

·         Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years + annual FIT

·         Colonoscopy screening every 10 years

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