Screening for Colorectal Cancer in Asymptomatic Average-Risk Adults
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
Guidance Statements
Clinicians should screen for colorectal cancer in average-risk adults between the ages of 50 and 75 years.
Clinicians should select the colorectal cancer screening test with the patient on the basis of a discussion of benefits, harms, costs, availability, frequency, and patient preferences. Suggested screening tests and intervals are fecal immunochemical testing or high-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood testing every 2 years, colonoscopy every 10 years, or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years plus fecal immunochemical testing every 2 years.
Clinicians should discontinue screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk adults older than 75 years or in adults with a life expectancy of 10 years or less.
Clinicians should select the colorectal cancer screening test with the patient on the basis of a discussion of benefits, harms, costs, availability, frequency, and patient preferences. Suggested screening tests and intervals are fecal immunochemical testing or high-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood testing every 2 years, colonoscopy every 10 years, or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years plus fecal immunochemical testing every 2 years.
Clinicians should discontinue screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk adults older than 75 years or in adults with a life expectancy of 10 years or less.
6731
Recommendation Grading
Overview
Title
Screening for Colorectal Cancer in Asymptomatic Average-Risk Adults
Authoring Organization
American College of Physicians
Publication Month/Year
November 5, 2019
Last Updated Month/Year
January 31, 2024
Supplemental Implementation Tools
Document Type
Guideline
External Publication Status
Published
Country of Publication
US
Document Objectives
The purpose of this guidance statement is to guide clinicians on colorectal cancer screening in average-risk adults.
Inclusion Criteria
Female, Male, Adult, Older adult
Health Care Settings
Ambulatory, Hospital, Radiology services
Intended Users
Radiology technologist, psychologist, counselor, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant
Scope
Assessment and screening, Prevention
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)
D015179 - Colorectal Neoplasms
Keywords
colorectal cancer, cancer screening, preventative care
Supplemental Methodology Resources
Methodology
Number of Source Documents
29
Literature Search Start Date
June 1, 2014
Literature Search End Date
May 28, 2018