The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has announced availability of the 2010 NCCN Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening. Early diagnosis through approved screening methods has been proven to reduce CRC mortality. The updated 2010 guidelines include the additional of surveillance guidelines, definitions for polyposis syndromes including juvenile polyposis syndrome and modifications to screening modality and schedule recommendations.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and women in the United States. In 2009, it was estimated that 106,100 new cases of colon cancer and 40,870 new cases of rectal cancer would occur in the United States, and 49,920 people would die of colon and rectal cancers. Patients with localized colon cancer have a 90% 5 year survival rate. CRC mortality can be reduced through early diagnosis and cancer prevention with polypectomy. The goal of CRC screening is to detect cancer at an early, curable stage and to detect and remove clinically significant adenomas. Screening tests that can detect both early cancer and adenomatous polyps are encouraged, although the NCCN Colorectal Cancer panel recognizes that patient preference and resource accessibility play a large role in test selection. Current technology falls into 2 broad categories: structural and stool/fecal-based tests. Although some techniques are better established than others, the guidelines panelists agree that any screening is better than none.

Link to the NCCN Web site http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/f_guidelines.asp and login to access Guidelines for Detection, Prevention, & Risk Reduction. Free registration is required to view guidelines.