USPSTF colorectal cancer screening recommendation
The Task Force recommends screening adults ages 45–75 and notes that positive non-invasive results require follow-up colonoscopy for screening benefits to be achieved.
Read original source ↗Evidence library
Resources for a complete screening journey.
Clinical guidance, measurement updates, and selected research for leaders working to understand colorectal cancer screening follow-up.
Clinical guidance
American Cancer Society screening guidance
Guidance for people at average and increased risk, including follow-up of non-colonoscopy screening tests.
Read original source ↗NCI colorectal cancer screening fact sheet
An evidence-based overview of screening approaches, benefits, harms, and diagnostic follow-up.
Read original source ↗Quality measurement
NCQA: developing a new follow-up measure
NCQA’s March 2026 update describes ongoing development of a HEDIS measure focused on follow-up after positive non-invasive screening.
Read original source ↗Draft COF-E specification for MY 2027
The draft measure assesses adults ages 45–85 who receive colonoscopy within 180 days of a positive non-invasive test. The consultation document is now closed and remains a draft.
Read original source ↗Selected research
Timing after positive FIT and colorectal cancer outcomes
A large U.S. Kaiser Permanente cohort found that follow-up after 10 months was associated with higher colorectal cancer risk and more advanced-stage disease at diagnosis.
Read original source ↗Delays after positive FIT: systematic review and meta-analysis
A meta-analysis of 361,637 patients found higher odds of colorectal cancer and advanced-stage disease when colonoscopy occurred more than six months after a positive test.
Read original source ↗Patient navigation after abnormal screening
A systematic review examines navigation as one approach to supporting completion of colorectal cancer screening and follow-up.
Read original source ↗Last reviewed August 2026. External guidance and measure specifications may change; consult the original source.