The Task Force identified two screening methods that have been shown to reduce death from colorectal cancer: the fecal occult blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy. The Task Force also recommended colonoscopy but says the evidence that it reduces death from colorectal cancer is indirect.
The Task Force did not recommend a specific screening test, saying that patients and their physicians should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the tests and decide which test is best for them. The frequency of screening depends on the test.
Adults with known risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as a personal history of ulcerative colitis or a family history of colorectal cancer, need more intensive screening.
Nearly 57,000 Americans will die of colorectal cancer in 2002, making it the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Eighty percent of colorectal cancers occur in people at average risk for the disease, and about 20 percent occur in those at high risk, including those with a personal history of ulcerative colitis or a family history of colorectal cancer in a mother, father, sister, or brother who receives a diagnosis before age 60.
Annals of Internal Medicine, the most widely cited medical specialty journal in the world, is published by the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine (ACP-ASIM). ACP-ASIM is the nation's largest medical specialty society. Its membership comprises more than 115,000 internal medicine physicians and medical students. Internists are specialists in the prevention, detection and treatment of illnesses that primarily affect adults.
The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force is an independent panel of experts that is sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). AHRQ is the lead Federal agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, address patient safety and medical errors, and broaden access to essential services.
NOTES TO EDITOR:
Embargoed copies of the recommendations, "Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Recommendations and Rationale," and the summary of evidence background paper, "Screening for Colorectal Cancer in Adults at Average Risk: Summary of the Evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force," and an article, "Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force," can be obtained from the ACP-ASIM Communications Department at 1-800-523-1546, ext. 2656.
To contact AHRQ regarding the USPSTF recommendation, please call Barbara Najar at (301) 594-9881, bnajar@ahrq.gov or Karen Migdail at (301) 594-6120, kmigdail@ahrq.gov.
This study is highlighted in a video news release (VNR) that is part of the Internal Medicine Report series, produced by the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine. The VNR will be released on Monday, July 15, at the times and coordinates below.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM, ET, Telstar 5, Transponder 19 C-Band, Downlink Freq: 4080(V)
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM, ET, Telstar 5, Transponder 19 C-Band, Downlink Freq: 4080(V)
The colorectal cancer recommendation and materials for clinicians will be available on the Web at http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstr/colorectal/ on July 16. Previous Task Force recommendations, summaries of the evidence, fact sheets explaining the recommendations, and related materials are available from the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse by calling (800) 358-9295 or sending an e-mail to ahrqpubs@ahrq.gov. Clinical information also is available from the National Guideline Clearinghouse at http://www.guideline.gov. The recommendations on colorectal cancer screening can also be found on the Annals of Internal Medicine Web site, www.annals.org.
Journal
Annals of Internal Medicine