Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
Occult Blood Testing
Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
The American Cancer Society has associated certain risk factors with colorectal cancer, ranging from lifestyle choices to non-lifestyle related factors.
Aside from high-sensitivity FOBT testing, there are other procedures that the Center for Disease Control has identified that can detect colorectal cancer in patients, before it’s too late.
Summary of Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Life-Style Related Risk Factors
- A diet high in red meat and/or processed meats
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
Non-Life Style Related Risk Factors
- Age – risk increases at around 50 years of age
- Individual – history of adenomatous polyps or colorectal cancer
- Individual – history of Inflamatory Bowel Disease, ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn’s disease
- Family – relatives with a history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
- Heredity – genetic conditions such as: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC or Lynch syndrome), Turcot syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, MUTYH-associated polyposis
- Racial/Ethnic Background – African Americans are at increased risk (US only) and Jews of Eastern European descent are at increased risk (globally)
- Type 2 Diabetes
Source: American Cancer Society- Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
Screening Recommendations Summary
High-Sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- Every year over age 50 for normal risk patients
- Screening should begin earlier if patient is at increased risk based on a physician’s assessment
Flexible Sigmoidoscope
- Every 5 years starting at age 50
Colonoscopy
- Every 10 years starting at age 50
Source: Center For Disease Control- Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines