At What Age Should We Stop Colorectal Cancer Screening? When Is Enough, Enough?

There is strong evidence that colorectal cancer screening can reduce both colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Guidelines recommend screening for individuals age 45 to 75 years, but are less certain about the benefits after age 75 years. Dalmat and colleagues provide evidence that individuals with a prior negative colonoscopy 10 years or more prior to reaching age 76 to 85 years, had a low risk of colorectal cancer, and would be less likely to benefit from further screening. It is important to note that this study population did not include individuals with a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of having high-risk adenomas. These data suggest that a negative colonoscopy can be an effective risk-stratification tool when discussing further screening with elderly patients.

Automated summary

There is solid evidence supporting the effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening in reducing incidence and mortality. Guidelines suggest screening for individuals between 45 to 75 years old, but there is uncertainty regarding the benefits for those above 75 years old. Dalmat et al. found that individuals who had a negative colonoscopy more than 10 years prior to reaching 76 to 85 years old had a lower risk of colorectal cancer and may not benefit from further screening. It is important to consider the study population did not include individuals with a family history of colon cancer or high-risk adenomas.