At what age should colorectal cancer screening stop in the elderly? As with all preventive health measures, medical researchers at the United States Preventive Services Task Force looked at the risk vs benefits ratio, stating that “competing causes of mortality preclude a mortality benefit that outweighs the harms.”

What does that mean? It means that people older than 85 are likely to die of other diseases than colon cancer and the risks associated with the procedure outweigh the benefits.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is also recommending against routine screening in the 76-85 year range unless there is compelling reason to do so. Follow this link to find out about other recommendations by the USPSTF.