The United States Multi-Society Task Force (MSTF) on Colorectal Cancer (CRC) has released updated screening recommendations in which it says average-risk CRC screening should begin at 45 years of age.
The change mirrors the work of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which in May expanded the recommended ages for colorectal cancer screening to 45 to 75 years; previously, it was 50 to 75 years.
The MSTF is comprised of representatives from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).
The MSTF also strongly recommends CRC screening in all individuals aged 50 to 75 who have not already initiated screening.
For individuals ages 76 to 85, the decision to start or continue screening should be individualized and based on prior screening history, comorbidity, life expectancy, CRC risk, and personal preference. MSTF does not recommend screening after age 85.
