Colorectal cancer diagnosis: Pitfalls and opportunities

Table 4 National Institute for Health and care excellence referral criteria[7]

High risk referral criteria (any)
Patients ≥ 40 yr with rectal bleeding and a change of bowel habits persisting ≥ 6 wk
Patients ≥ 60 yr with rectal bleeding persisting ≥ 6 wk without a change in bowel habits and without anal symptoms
Patients ≥ 60 yr with a change in bowel habits persisting ≥ 6 wk without rectal bleeding
Patients presenting with a right lower abdominal mass consistent with involvement of the large bowel
Patients presenting with a palpable rectal mass
Patients with unexplained iron deficiency anaemia (< 11 g/100 mL in men, < 10 g/100 mL in non-menstruating women)