The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) has updated its guidelines, last issued in 2009, based on data on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening accumulated over the past decade.

The updated guideline advocates that screening should begin at the age of 45 years for persons of average risk. The recommendations are published online in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

The guideline has lowered the age for starting CRC screening in average-risk individuals to 45 years from 50 years, with routine screening recommended to age 75. It states that screening beyond age 75 should be individualized. Screening can either be a one-step process, with colonoscopy, allowing diagnosis and treatment at the same time, or a two-step process, with stool-based testing followed by colonoscopy… (Medpage Today)