American Cancer Society updates colorectal cancer screening guidelines

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has revised its colorectal cancer screening recommendations, adding certain blood tests as an optional option for people at average risk. The new guidance aims to broaden screening uptake in the United States, complementing existing methods such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and colonoscopy.

In Germany, the update does not alter current practice. Blood‑based tests are not part of the statutory screening program, and German guidelines continue to endorse FIT and colonoscopy as the proven standards. Experts note that while blood tests can detect cancer, they are considerably less reliable for identifying advanced adenomas, the precursors most effectively removed during colonoscopy. Consequently, the German recommendation remains unchanged, emphasizing colonoscopy and FIT as the gold standard for early detection and prevention.