Colorectal Cancer: Referral Guidelines

Key points

• NICE updated their referral guidelines in 2015. The following patients should be referred urgently (i.e. within 2 weeks) to colorectal services for investigation:
• patients >= 40 years with unexplained weight loss AND abdominal pain
• patients >= 50 years with unexplained rectal bleeding
• patients >= 60 years with iron deficiency anaemia OR change in bowel habit
• tests show occult blood in their faeces (see below) An urgent referral (within 2 weeks) should be 'considered' if: