At what age is CRC screening recommended for average-risk patients? What are the preferred testing modalities for CRC screening?
- CRC screening should be offered to average-risk (asymptomatic) individuals beginning at the age of 50. It is recommended that blacks should start CRC screening at the age of 45.
- There is growing evidence that heavy cigarette smoking and obesity may be linked to an increased risk of CRC and to the development of CRC at an earlier age; however, there are no formal recommendations for earlier screening.
- The risks and benefits of each CRC screening method must be discussed between the physician and the individual patient.
CRC Screening Recommendations
| Preferred method | Colonoscopy every 10 years |
|---|---|
| Alternative methods | Annual FIT Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years CT colonography every 5 years Double-contrast barium enema every 5 to 10 years |
CT, Computed tomography; FIT, fecal immunochemical test.
