Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines for Average-Risk Individuals

Recommended Screening Options

• The U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer provides a strong recommendation with moderate-quality evidence for beginning screening at age 50 in non-African American average-risk persons, with colonoscopy every 10 years or annual fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) as first-tier options 1, 2
• The American Gastroenterological Association recommends colonoscopy every 10 years as a first-tier screening option for average-risk individuals 1, 2

Screening Rationale and Evidence

• The U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer recommends beginning screening at age 50 in non-African American average-risk persons, with a strong recommendation and moderate-quality evidence 1, 2

Special Populations

• African American men should have screening discussion at age 45, according to the American Family Physician 3
• Men with first-degree relative diagnosed before age 65 should discuss screening at age 45, as recommended by the American Family Physician 3

Additional Recommended Screenings

• The American College of Cardiology recommends lipid screening (total cholesterol and HDL) for men aged 40-75 years, with repeat every 5 years if normal, more frequently if borderline 4
• Routine blood pressure screening should be performed at all ages, as recommended by the Praxis Medical Insights 4

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• The Ca-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians recommends against performing single-panel guaiac FOBT during digital rectal examination, due to its low sensitivity 5