Who should be screened for Colorectal Cancer (CRC)?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that average-risk adults should begin CRC screening at the age of 50 years and to continue periodically throughout life. Among the reasons for an earlier start for screening include a patient who is at higher than average risk for CRC. The ACS defines higher than average risk as: • individuals with a history of adenomatous polyps; • individuals with a personal history of curative-intent resection of colorectal cancer; • individuals with a family history of either colorectal cancer or colorectal adenomas diagnosed in a first-degree relative before age 60 years; • individuals at significantly higher risk due to a history of inflammatory bowel disease of significant duration; or • individuals at significantly higher risk due to a known or suspected presence of one of two hereditary syndromes, specifically, hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The intervals for subsequent screening depend on the p
