Updated USPSTF Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Will Help Save Lives

Judy Yee, MD, FACR, Chair of the ACR Colon Cancer Committee

Following is a statement from Judy Yee, MD, FACR, Chair of the American College of Radiology^® (ACR^®) Colon Cancer Committee, about new U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) colorectal cancer screening recommendations. The USPSTF recommendation statement, a modeling study and evidence report were published online May 18 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

“These updated recommendations are a step forward in the battle against colorectal cancer. The New USPSTF B recommendation for adults ages 45–49 means that millions more Americans will receive private insurance coverage for this vital screening. Expanded coverage will help medical providers save more lives.

"It is important that CT colonography (CTC) — also known as virtual colonoscopy — was named a USPSTF-recommended screening exam for those ages 45–49 and remains so for those ages 50–75. CT colonography is already an American Cancer Society-recommended screening test that is less invasive than and comparably accurate to standard colonoscopy, increases screening rates where offered in the United States and abroad, and lowers costs — which can allow more providers to offer screening.

"Now Medicare must follow the USPSTF lead and cover beneficiaries for this lifesaving exam. We invite those of screening age to visit the ACR My CT Colonography Locator Tool to find a CTC provider near them."

More Information

For more colorectal cancer screening information, visit the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable and RadiologyInfo.org.