US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation
The USPSTF strongly recommends that clinicians screen men and women 50 years of age and older for colorectal cancer with FOBT, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.

USPSTF Rating: "A" Recommendation

FACTS:

• 19,000 deaths could be prevented annually if all people ages 50+ were periodically screened for colorectal cancer.¹
• Currently only about 1/3 of adults 50+ are up-to-date on screening.²
  

Click here for this service's Technical Report (pdf) which includes details on the literature used and approach taken to estimate this service's health impact and cost effectiveness.

1. Maciosek, M. V.; Solberg, L. I.; Edwards, N. M., et al. Colorectal cancer screening. Technical report prepared for the National Commission on Prevention Priorities, 2006.
2. Maciosek, M. V.; Coffield, A. B.; Solberg, L. I., et al. Colorectal Cancer Screening: Health Impact and Cost Effectivness. Am J Prev Med 2006.