Over the past few years, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations have expanded screening criteria for several types of cancer. In most of these cases, screenings are now recommended at an earlier age. These changes reflect new research as well as trends that show increasing rates of cancer in younger age groups.
Here are the takeaways:
· Lung cancer (March 2021): screen with low dose CT in adults aged 50-80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years (previously ages 55-80 and 30 pack-year history)
· Colorectal cancer (May 2021): screen all adults aged 45-75 (previously ages 50-75)
· Breast cancer (May 2023, preliminary, update in progress): screen with mammography every other year for women aged 40-74 years (previously ages 50-74, with patient preference in ages 40-49)
Of note, recommendations on cervical cancer screening are currently being updated.
Sources:
Breast Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Updated May 9, 2023. https://uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/draft-recommendation/breast-cancer-screening-adults
Cervical Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Updated March 10, 2022. https://uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/draft-update-summary/cervical-cancer-screening-adults-adolescents
Colorectal Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Updated May 18, 2021. https://uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening
Lung Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Updated March 9, 2021. https://uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening
Post created by Remy Bremner, IM Class of 2023