"The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam).”
After your initial screening, the American Cancer Society recommends continuing regular colorectal cancer screening through age 75. For those ages 76 to 85, the decision to be screened should be made based on your screening history and overall health. Those 85 years or older should no longer get screened.
How do you know if you are at average risk? If you do not have any of the following, you would be considered average risk:
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer
A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer
For those who are at increased risk, the American Cancer Society does not put out screening guidelines, but other organizations, such as the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer (USMSTF), do. As these guidelines are more complex, they are best reviewed with your healthcare provider.
By Lucia Plagge
Learn more about Brookings, SD screening : https://www.brookingshealth.org/services/colonoscopy