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Mike Mitka

JAMA. 2003;289:1089-1090.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The authors of new guidelines for colorectal cancer screening tweaked existing recommendations while stressing the importance of initial screenings for people aged 50 years or older.

The initial screen is especially important because it detects the largest, most dangerous polyps, which can be removed through a polypectomy, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. It also helps get patients in the habit of screening, thus improving the chances of early detection of colorectal cancer—a key factor in surviving this malignancy.

Endoscopic view of a colon polyp. An initial colorectal screening test is important for detecting polyps and early, localized cancers. (Photo credit: Arnold J. Markowitz, MD)

The guidelines, by the US Multisociety Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, were published in February (Gastroenterology. 2003;124:544-560). This is an update of the original 1997 guidelines, prepared by a panel convened by the US Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.

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