Clinical practice guidelines. Review of the recommendations for colorectal screening

Data suggest that vigilant screening and polyp removal can help reduce mortality caused by colorectal cancer (CRC), the incidence of which increases with age. Although several screening methods are available, wide variation exists among them in accuracy, effectiveness of identifying cancerous lesions, potential complications, costs, ease of administration, and patient compliance. Moreover, a lack of direct evidence demonstrating the long-term benefits (compared with the costs and risks) of the individual screening methods complicates the decision of when and whether to screen. In 1994, an expert, multidisciplinary panel was convened to review the evidence and produce recommendations to help guide clinicians and patients with regard to CRC screening and surveillance. The resulting clinical practice guidelines, released in 1997, are examined.