Are U.S. cancer screening test patterns consistent with guideline recommendations with respect to the age of screening initiation?

Table 1 Cancer Screening Test Guidelines for Asymptomatic Populations (Effective 2003 for Colorectal Cancer and 2006 for Breast and Prostate Cancers)

Panel A: Colorectal Cancer Screening	American Cancer Society (2001):	- Annual fecal occult blood test ages 50+
		- Or sigmoidoscopy every 5 years starting at age 50
		- Or annual FOBT and flex. Sig. Every 5 years starting at 50
		- Colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50
		- Double contrast barium enema every 5 years starting at 50
	United States Preventive Services Task Force (2001-2004):	- Screening recommended ages 50+
		- Annual fecal occult blood test and or periodic sigmoidoscopy
Panel B: Prostate Cancer Screening	American Cancer Society (2004):	- Prostate specific antigen test offered annually to men ages 50+ with 10+ years life expectancy
	United States Preventive Services Task Force (2005):	- Insufficient evidence to recommend or not recommend the test
Panel C: Breast Cancer Screening	American Cancer Society (2004):	- Annual mammography ages 40+
	United States Preventive Services Task Force (2005):	- Mammography every 1-2 years ages 40+

Source: ACS Guidelines, Smith et al. (2004). ^aUSPSTF 2002 (For Colorectal Cancer Screening). ^bUSPSTF 2002 (For Prostate Cancer Screening) ^cUSPSTF 2002 (For Breast Cancer Screening)

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