Individualized Colorectal Cancer Screening for Ages 50-75

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) published its final recommendation statement and evidence summary on screening for colorectal cancer and found that "convincing evidence" supports screening adults ages 50-75 -- an "A"recommendation.

The task force recommends screening on an individualized basis for adults ages 76-85 depending on the patient's health and previous screening history -- a "C" recommendation.

‘Greater than 75�95% of colon cancer occurs in people with little or no genetic risk so screening adults aged 50-75 is effective for preventing and decreasing deaths from colorectal cancer.’

The screening would benefit those who have never been screened, those who are healthy enough to undergo treatment and have no comorbid conditions that would significantly limit life expectancy.

"The task force strongly recommends screening adults ages 50-75 for colorectal cancer, as it reduces the risk of dying from the disease," said Albert Siu, M.D., M.S.P.H., immediate past chair of the task force in a news release. "Evidence convincingly shows screening for colorectal cancer works, but not enough people are taking advantage of this highly effective service."

Both recommendations apply only to asymptomatic adults ages at average risk for colorectal cancer -- that is, they have no family history of genetic disorders linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer and no personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, noncancerous growths that could lead to colorectal cancer or previous colorectal cancer.

Source: Medindia