Colorectal Cancer Screening (COL)

Assesses adults 50–75 who had appropriate screening for colorectal cancer with any of the following tests: annual fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, colonoscopy every 10 years, computed tomography colonography every 5 years, stool DNA test every 3 years.

The Colorectal Cancer Screening measure is also available in an ECDS format. Please visit ECDS webpage and NCQA Store for more information.

Note: The ages for the Colorectal Cancer Screening measure was updated in HEDIS Measurement Year 2022 to align with the updates to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines to assess for adults ages 45-75. The current data on this page is based on HEDIS MY 2021, which assesses adults ages 50-75.

Why It Matters

Treatment for colorectal cancer in its earliest stage can lead to a 90 percent survival rate after five years. However, more than a third of adults 50–75 do not get recommended screenings.¹ Colorectal cancer screening of asymptomatic adults in that age group can catch polyps before they become cancerous or detect colorectal cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective.

Historical Results – National Averages