Counseling for Colorectal Carcinoma Screening in Family Practice

Summary: This paper aims to give an overview of current evidence based knowledge on screening options for colorectal carcinoma (CRC) to help family practitioners counsel their patients. The new German S3-guideline „colorectal carcinoma“ has already been considered. Patients with statutory health insurance are entitled to CRC screening by fecal occult blood test (FOBT), beginning at the age of 50 and by colonoscopy from the age of 55. Screening for colorectal cancer can reduce CRC caused mortality, but an effect on all-cause mortality has not been demonstrated yet. Only a minority of the eligible population actually undergo FOBT (16%) or colonoscopy (2–3%).The advantages and disadvantages of the options: no screening, screening by FOBT or screening by colonoscopy, are discussed. Personal CRC risks and patients’ preferences should be included in shared decision making.

(State: 31.03.2016)