Colorectal Cancer Screening Info
Who should be screened for colorectal cancer?
All adults should be screened for colorectal cancer. The age to begin screening, along with the risks and benefits of screen testing options, depends on a number of individual factors such as medical history and family history. You should discuss the timing and screening options that are best for you with your health care provider. If you have a family member such as a sibling, parent, or children who had colorectal cancer or a pre-malignant colon polyp, you will be advised to undergo screening no later than age 40. Please share this information with your provider.
Who is at increased risk of colorectal cancer?
Some people are considered to be at increased risk of colorectal cancer due to a personal or family history of cancer or pre-malignant colon polyps, known genetic mutations that are associated with colon cancer, personal history of inflammatory bowel.
Are you at average risk for colorectal cancer? If so, we recommend:
- Start colon cancer screening at age 45 by the type of screening test that would work best for you; continue with regular colon cancer screening until age 75 as long as you are healthy.
- For people ages 76-85, screening decisions should be based on personal preference, prior screening history, and overall health. Those over 85 most likely do not benefit from having routine screening.
- Frequency of screening depends upon type of screening test used, the results of the previous testing, as well as family history.
Are you at increased risk for colorectal cancer?
- Talk to your doctor about your risk factors, personal preferences, and whether a genetic evaluation would be appropriate for you.
- Colonoscopy is the preferred screening method for those at above average risk. Talk to your doctor to determine the appropriate age to start screening based on your risk factors.
- Frequency of screening should be based on your risk of developing colorectal cancer and results of any previous colonoscopy.
- Colonoscopy. An examination of the inside of the colon using a colonoscope inserted into the rectum. It is performed with sedation, so there is no pain during the procedure. The day prior includes a clear liquid diet, like broth and ginger ale, and laxatives.
- FIT or high-sensitivity gFOBT. Patients who require an alternative to colonoscopy may perform a FIT test once a year. This is a test that can be done at home to check stool (solid waste) for blood that can only be seen with a microscope. It is important to know that a positive FIT test will require that the patient then undergo a colonoscopy to determine if a cancer is present.