Colorectal Screening
Regular testing for colorectal cancer has the potential to reduce mortality by as much as 33%. While surveys have found that virtually all primary care physicians are screening their patients for colorectal cancer, nationally less than 60% were screened in accordance with preventive services guidelines:
| Screening Test | Recommended Frequency | Medicare Coverage |
| Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) | 1-2 years | Annually |
| Double Contrast Barium Enema | Every 5 years | Every 24 months - high risk Every 4 years - normal risk |
| Flexible Sigmoidoscopy | Every 5 years | Every 4 years; or Once every 10 years after colonoscopy |
| Colonoscopy | Every 10 years | Every 24 months - high risk Every 10 years - normal risk |
It is particularly important for older people to be tested for colorectal cancer on a regular basis because the risks are greatest in those over 50, who account for 93% of all cases. Incidence and mortality rates generally are higher in males. African-American men have the highest incidence rate at 72.9 new cases per 100,000 men, per year.
In addition to advising a group of physician practices about using electronic health records to increase colorectal screening rates, VHQC encourages all primary care physicians to screen patients in accordance with the national preventive services guidelines.
Links to basic information are provided below. For additional materials, visit the Resource Center to browse tools and references, and go to the MedQIC website.
