Task Force Finds Several Methods Equally Effective for Colorectal Cancer Screening

In a change from its previous recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that adults aged 50 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer using annual high-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy every 5 years with fecal occult testing between sigmoidoscopic exams, or colonoscopy every 10 years. According to the Task Force, good evidence exists that using these methods save lives. The recommendation and the accompanying summary of evidence is posted in the Annals of Internal Medicine online at www.annals.org and appeared in the Nov 4 print edition of the journal.

The recommendations and materials for clinicians are available on the AHRQ website at http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspscolo.htm.