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Title: US Task Force Changes Its Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Screening
URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/22E66E.htm
Doctor's Guide
October 8, 2008

ROCKVILLE, Md -- October 8, 2008 -- In a change from its previous recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends that adults aged 50 to 75 years be screened for colorectal cancer using annual high-sensitivity faecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy every 5 years with faecal occult testing between sigmoidoscopic exams, or colonoscopy every 10 years.

According to the USPSTF, good evidence exists that using these methods saves lives. The recommendation and the accompanying summary of evidence are published online and will appear in the November 4 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The USPSTF recommends against routine colorectal cancer screening in adults aged 76 to 85 years because the benefits of regular screening are small compared with the risks.

The USPSTF also recommends that adults aged over 85 years should not be screened at all because the harms of screening may be significant and other conditions may be more likely to affect their health or well-being.

For people of all ages, the USPSTF found insufficient evidence to assess the benefits and harms of computed tomographic colonography and faecal DNA testing as screening methods for the disease.

Furthermore, these USPSTF recommendations do not apply to people with a personal history of certain types of polyps who are being monitored regularly for the condition or to those who have a family history of rare syndromes that increase their chances of acquiring colon cancer.

This recommendation strengthens the USPSTF's previous position in 2002, when it recommended screening for colorectal cancer but noted that evidence was insufficient to recommend one screening method over another.

Patients who receive positive test results for detection of polyps will require a follow-up colonoscopy regardless of the screening test used. Because the risks and benefits of all tests vary, patients and clinicians are encouraged to decide together which test is appropriate.

SOURCE: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

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