Committee opinion no 609: colorectal cancer screening strategies

Each year, more than 24,000 women die from colorectal cancer, which makes it the third leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer and breast cancer. However, screening tests are underused for many segments of the population and are ordered in a manner inconsistent with guidelines. The primary goal of colorectal cancer screening is to reduce mortality through the reduction of advanced disease. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening every 10 years for average-risk women beginning at age 50 years and at age 45 years for African American women.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends colonoscopy every 10 years as the most effective screening modality. Every screening method has advantages and limitations, which ultimately depend on the quality of the screening test, patient adherence, screening guidelines, and access to timely and appropriate follow-up. Colorectal cancer screening methods should be discussed with patients to identify the method they are most likely to accept and complete.