The United States Multi-Society Task Force (MSTF) on Colorectal Cancer (CRC) represents the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
The MSTF updated the CRC screening recommendations that were last published in 2017, focusing on the specific questions of when to start and when to stop CRC screening in average-risk individuals (those without family history of colorectal neoplasia and those without gastrointestinal symptoms).
New guidance:
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The MSTF suggests CRC screening in average-risk individuals ages 45-49.
Unchanged from 2017:
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The MSTF strongly recommends CRC screening in all individuals aged 50 to 75 who have not already initiated screening.
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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.
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Screening is not recommended after age 85.
The MSTF made these determinations based upon evidence demonstrating an increasing incidence and mortality from CRC in individuals under age 50, with data suggesting that the yield of screening in 45-49-year-olds is similar to the yield of screening 50-59-year-olds, and that the benefits of screening in younger individuals outweigh the harms and costs based on modeling studies. In addition, the MSTF summarized new data since 2017 regarding the risks and benefits of screening beyond age 75 and the appropriate age to stop screening.
This updated guidance from the MSTF is aligned with multiple other professional societies, including the United States Preventative Services Task Force, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Cancer Society.
The full recommendations have been published jointly online via Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Gastroenterology, and The American Journal of Gastroenterology, and will be available in the January 2022 print issues.
About ACG
About the American College of Gastroenterology Founded in 1932, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an organization with an international membership of over 17,000 individuals from 86 countries. The College's vision is to be the preeminent professional organization that champions the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive disorders, serving as a beacon to guide the delivery of the highest quality, compassionate, and evidence-based patient care. The mission of the College is to enhance the ability of our members to provide world-class care to patients with digestive disorders and advance the profession through excellence and innovation based upon the pillars of Patient Care, Education, Scientific Investigation, Advocacy and Practice Management.
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About American Gastroenterological Association
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, AGA has grown to more than 16,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization.
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About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 14,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education.
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Media Contacts:
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ACG: Anne-Louise Oliphant, mediaonly@gi.org, 301.263.9000
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AGA: Courtney Reed, media@gastro.org, 301.272.0025
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ASGE: Andrea Lee, alee@asge.org, 630.570.5603