Canadian task force updates colorectal cancer screening recommendations

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC) released its colorectal cancer screening recommendations this week, stating that colonoscopy should not be used as a screening test.

In addition, CTFPHC strongly recommends colorectal screenings every two years using fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test or every ten years using flexible sigmoidoscopy for adults ages 60 to 74.

Maria Bacchus, MD, chair of the CTFPHC guideline working group, outlined the importance of these recommendations in a prepared statement.

“As the second most common cause of cancer death in men and the third most common cause in women, routine screening for colorectal cancer in adults aged 50-74 can lead to early detection, improved treatments and fewer deaths,” Bacchus said. “Studies show that with increasing age, cases and deaths due to CRC increase, particularly among the 60-74 age group and therefore we strongly recommend screening among this age group.”

CTFPHC developed these recommendations to replace its previous guidelines, which were from 2001. More information is available on the organization's website.