Colorectal Cancer Urgent Referral Guidelines (NICE)

Question 1

What age is the cut off for patients to be referred with unexplained weight loss AND abdominal pain?

Answer 1

> =40

Question 2

What age is the cut off for patients to be referred for unexplained rectal bleeding?

Answer 2

> =50

Question 3

What age is the cut off for patients to be referred for iron deficiency anaemia OR a change in bowel habit?

Answer 3

> =60

Question 4

When should a referral be ‘considered’ as opposed to just done?

Answer 4

there is a rectal or abdominal mass
there is an unexplained anal mass or anal ulceration
patients < 50 years with rectal bleeding
AND
any of the following unexplained symptoms/findings:
abdominal pain
change in bowel habit
weight loss
iron deficiency anaemia

Question 5

When should you do a FIT test?

Answer 5

If people have new symptoms but don’t meet urgent referral criteria
e.g. >50 with abdominal pain but no weight loss