Colorectal Cancer

Regular screening, beginning at age 50, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that adults age 50 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. This recommendation is in process of being changed to age 45 to start screening. The USPSTF recommends that adults age 76 to 85 ask their doctor if they should be screened. As of May 2021, the USPSTF  recommends that screening start at age 45 years old.

When Should I Begin to Get Screened?

If you are at average risk, you should start talking with your provider at age 45 to discuss the right screening schedule for you. However, you may need to be tested earlier than 45, or more often than other people, if—

• You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
• You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about—

• When to begin screening.
• Which test is right for you.
• How often to get tested.

The American Cancer Society has a table that includes recommendations based on risk. Visit the button below to learn more.