USPSTF recommends CRC screening for 50- to 75-year-olds

08 oct 2015—The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends colorectal cancer (CRC) screening starting at age 50 years and continuing through age 75 years. These findings form the basis of a draft recommendation statement, published Oct. 5 by the USPSTF.
Researchers from the USPSTF conducted a systematic review of the evidence relating to screening for CRC. They examined the effectiveness or comparative effectiveness of screening tests on CRC incidence and mortality; diagnostic accuracy of screening tests; and harms of screening.
The USPSTF recommends CRC screening for adults aged 50 to 75 years; variation was seen in the risks and benefits of different screening methods (grade A recommendation). For adults aged 76 to 85 years, the decision to screen for CRC should be an individual one based on patient health and prior screening history (grade C recommendation). The draft recommendation statement is available for public comment from Oct. 6 through Nov. 2.
"Colorectal cancer screening is a very effective, but underused, health promotion strategy in the United States," USPSTF member, Douglas K. Owens, M.D., said in a statement. "The evidence is clear that adults ages 50 to 75 years will substantially benefit from getting screened, but about one-third of these people have never done so."

More information: Evidence Review
Draft Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendations