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ForwardColorectal Cancer: Screening and Diagnosis
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US and the second leading cause of cancer death. Cases in people under 55 are rising by 1–2% a year. When CRC is caught early, 5-year survival is around 90%, yet screening rates are still low. The US has no national screening program, so screening depends on individual conversations between clinicians and patients. In this CME Bulletin, Jason Domagalski, MD, FAAFP, gives family physicians a practical overview of:
- CRC epidemiology and risk factors
- the strengths and limits of each screening option, from stool-based tests to colonoscopy and CT colonography
- current US screening guidelines, including the USPSTF recommendation to start at age 45 for people at average risk
The activity also offers patient-centered communication strategies to improve screening uptake and close care gaps in practice
Erratum
In the original publication of this article, several references were inadvertently omitted from the reference list. As a result, the numbering of references from number 6 onwards has been altered, potentially causing confusion. Additionally, copyediting errors were identified and corrected. We apologize for these errors. The corrected reference list has been updated accordingly.
Target Audience
Healthcare Professionals
Learning Objectives
- Understand the epidemiology and risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC)
- List the recommended screening methods for CRC and their advantages and limitations
- Describe the clinical guidelines for CRC screening in the United States
- Develop patient-centered communication skills to effectively encourage patients to participate in CRC screening programs
- Implement strategies to bridge the care gap between preventative care and CRC screening within the healthcare practice
Activity Disclosures
This educational activity is supported by an independent medical educational grant from Exact Sciences.
Course summary
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
Article Authors
Jason Domagalski, MD, FAAFP; Medical Director, Physician Assistant Residency, Primary Care Clinic, Clement J. Zablocki VA Hospital, Milwaukee, WI
CME Editor
Jason Domagalski, MD, FAAFP
Jason Domagalski, MD, FAAFP has nothing to disclose.
All planners involved in the development of this activity declared no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies. This activity underwent review in line with standards of editorial integrity and publication ethics. Potential conflicts of interest have been identified and resolved in accordance with John Wiley and Sons, Inc.’s Policy on Activity Disclosure and Conflict of Interest. The primary resolution method was review by an unconflicted expert. For information about the accreditation of this program, please contact [email protected].
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
John Wiley and Sons, Inc. and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and/or 1.00 Enduring Materials, Self-Study AAFP Prescribed credit(s) (expired June 2026). Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. For information on applicability and acceptance of continuing medical education credit for this activity, please consult your professional licensing board.
This activity is designed to be completed within 1 hour and complete the activity during the valid credit period, which is up to two years from initial publication. Additionally, up to 3 attempts and a score of 70% or higher is needed to pass the post-test and claim credit.
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™