Colorectal Cancer Screening

Overview

Your risk for colorectal cancer gets higher as you get older. Experts recommend starting screening at age 45 for people who are at average risk.footnote 1

Talk with your doctor about your risk and when to start and stop screening. You may have one of several tests.

People who have an increased risk for colorectal cancer may need to be tested sooner or more often.

References

Citations

  1. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2021). Screening for colorectal cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA, 325(19): 1965–1977. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.6238. Accessed May 18, 2021.

Credits

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Arvydas D. Vanagunas MD - Gastroenterology