Colorectal screening among average risk individuals in the United States, 2015–2018

•Study methods significantly impact estimates of colorectal cancer screening rates.•Several methods overestimate colorectal cancer screening rates as >65%•Including high-risk people or a retrospective cohort design overestimates rates.•In a cross-sectional design, 51% were up to date with colorectal cancer screening.•Evaluating adherence to colorectal cancer screening guidelines requires method clarity.