ColonFlag for identifying people at risk of colorectal cancer

Equality considerations

NICE is committed to promoting equality, eliminating unlawful discrimination and fostering good relations between people with particular protected characteristics and others. In producing guidance and advice, NICE aims to comply fully with all legal obligations to: promote race and disability equality and equality of opportunity between men and women, eliminate unlawful discrimination on grounds of race, disability, age, sex, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity (including women post-delivery), sexual orientation, and religion or belief (these are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010).

Three quarters of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases are in people aged 65 or over. Jewish people of central and eastern European family origin are also thought to be at increased risk. Age, religious beliefs and ethnicity are protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. People with cancer are protected under the Equality Act from the point of diagnosis.