03/08/2023
According to an updated guidance statement from the American College of Physicians (ACP), asymptomatic, average-risk adults are encouraged to start screening at age 50 for colorectal cancer.
Selecting the right age to start screening is important because it allows clinicians to help more patients. Choosing the right screening test is also a crucial consideration.
ACP’s updated guidelines are intended to help physicians determine the optimal time to screen adults who are at average risk for colorectal cancer and who do not show symptoms.
This guidance statement recommends the following for average-risk, asymptomatic adults:
1. Begin screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk, asymptomatic adults at age 50.
2. For adults 45 to 49, consider not screening. Clinicians should talk with patients about the pros and cons of screening in this age group.
3. Stop screening for colorectal cancer in adults older than 75 years or in asymptomatic, average-risk adults with a life expectancy of 10 years or less.
4. Choose a screening test for colorectal cancer, discussing benefits, harms, costs, availability, frequency, and patient values and preferences with the patient.
5. Choose among screening tests for colorectal cancer: a f***l immunochemical or high-sensitivity guaiac f***l occult blood test every two years, colonoscopy every 10 years, or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years, plus a f***l immunochemical test every two years.
6. Should not use stool DNA, computed tomography colonography, capsule endoscopy, urine, or serum screening tests for colorectal cancer.
