Age And Frequency Guidelines

Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendations

Age and Frequency Guidelines

Individuals should begin regular colorectal cancer screening at age 50 or 10 years earlier than the age at which their family member was diagnosed with the disease, whichever comes first.

For those ages 50 to 74 who are not at high risk, a stool test can be performed every two years.

High-Risk Individuals

Certain groups of people are considered high-risk for colorectal cancer and may need to start screening earlier:

First-Degree Relatives

Individuals with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) who has had colorectal cancer should start screening 10 years earlier than the age of their relative's diagnosis.

Other Risk Factors

Other factors that can increase the risk of colorectal cancer include a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, certain genetic syndromes, and a family history of certain types of polyps.

Screening Methods

The recommended screening methods for colorectal cancer include:

Colonoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum and large intestine to visualize the colon and look for abnormalities.

Stool tests: These tests detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colorectal cancer or polyps.