To Screen or Not to Screen Adults 45-49 Years of Age: That is the Question

Am J Gastroenterol. 2018 Dec;113(12):1750-1753. doi: 10.1038/s41395-018-0402-3. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

Abstract

Should we adopt the recently published American Cancer Society (ACS) recommendations to screen adults at 45 years of age? The main reasons for adopting the recommendation include the increase of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the young, especially late-stage tumors. Screening at 45 years is also supported by predictive modeling, which the ACS employed using updated and improved models as compared to those previously used by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Reasons against adopting include concerns with the models as well as diversion of scarce screening resources away from high-risk populations. Readers are provided with opposing viewpoints regarding the ACS recommendation.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • American Cancer Society
  • Colonoscopy / economics
  • Colonoscopy / standards*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Early Detection of Cancer / economics
  • Early Detection of Cancer / methods
  • Early Detection of Cancer / standards*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Mass Screening / economics
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Mass Screening / standards*
  • Middle Aged
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Preventive Health Services / standards
  • United States