Why 50
In weighing the risks and benefits of screening, the ACP noted that CRC screening can entail risk for serious bleeding and perforation in the case of colonoscopy.
Overdiagnosis and associated overtreatment, as well as costly follow-ups for findings that are clinically unimportant, are additional factors to consider with various cancer screening tests, said Amir Qaseem, MD, PhD, MHA, the ACP’s chief science officer and the corresponding author of the updated guidance.
Despite some differences between various groups’ recommendations, Dr. Qaseem saw important similarities.
“We need to get everyone between 50 and 75 screened,” Dr. Qaseem said. On that point, “there is no disagreement.”
One guideline author reported receiving salary from the ACP. Dr. Qaseem reported no conflicts of interest.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.