Everyone should be screened
Do I need to get screened for colorectal cancer?
Yes! All men and women should be screened for colorectal cancer.
Your individual risk factors – such as ethnicity, lifestyle and family history – will determine when you should start getting checked.
The American Cancer Society recently recommended that adults without a family history should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
Take a short quiz to learn more about which screening options are best for you based on your personal risk factors.
When should I get screened?
If you | Then you should |
---|---|
Are experiencing symptoms | Talk to your doctor immediately |
Have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps | Get screened at age 40 or 10 years before the age of the youngest case in your immediate family (mother, father, sister, brother) |
Are African American | Get screened at age 45 |
Have a genetic link to colorectal cancer such as Lynch Syndrome, FAP, etc. | Family members who tested positive for a relevant mutation(s) should start colonoscopy screening during their early 20s, or 2 to 5 years younger than the youngest person in the family with a diagnosis, and repeat it every 1-2 years. Family members who have not been tested yet should be screened during their early 20s, or 2 to 5 years younger than the youngest person in the family with a diagnosis. |
Have a personal history of cancer | Talk to your doctor and get screened before age 45 |
Have ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease | Talk to your doctor about getting screened before age 45 |
If you are experiencing symptoms such as pain, blood or other irregularities, talk to your doctor immediately, regardless of your age or family history.
Take a short quiz to learn more about which screening options are best for you based on your personal risk factors.
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