Colorectal Cancer Screening Cost-Effective for Older Adults: 6 Things to Know

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that colorectal cancer screening should be considered for patients past the age of 75, according to a Medscape report.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends CRC screening from ages 50 to 75, but does not recommend it for previously screened patients 75 and older. The study examines the benefits and cost of CRC screening in 75 and older individuals who have not been screened.

Here are six things to know about the cost-effectiveness of CRC screening in older adults.

•    CRC screening should be considered in elderly patients with no comorbidities up to the age of 86. For patients with moderate comorbidities screening should be considered up to age 83. For patients with severe comorbidities screening should be considered up through age 80.
•    CRC screening remained cost-effective at up to 86 years.
•    For patients with no comorbidities, colonoscopy was indicated at up to 83 years, sigmoidoscopy was indicated at up to 84 years and FIT was indicated at ages 85 and 86.
•    For patients with moderate comorbidities, colonoscopy was indicated at up to 80 years, sigmoidoscopy was indicated at up to 81 years and FIT was indicated at ages 82 and 83.
•    For patients with severe comorbidities, colonoscopy was indicated at up to 77 years, sigmoidoscopy was indicated at up to 78 years and FIT was indicated at ages 79 and 80.
•    Individuals 76 and older who have not undergone a previous screening had a CRC prevalence nearly 10 times greater than those with negative screening results at 50, 60 and 70 years.

The study authors concluded that the results of this study could be used to guide screening recommendations for patients over 75 years old.

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