Colorectal Cancer Test Recommendations

For people at an average risk for colorectal (colon) cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Reference USPSTF Opens New Window) has the following advice for Reference colorectal cancer Opens New Window testing:^{Reference 1}

• People ages 50 to 75 should have a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Talk with your doctor about which test is best for you.
• People who have a sigmoidoscopy every 5 years should also have a stool test (FOBT) at regular intervals.
• Some people older than 75 may benefit from screening tests. Others may not. Talk to your doctor about testing for colon cancer after age 75.

The American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), and the American College of Gastroenterologists (ACG) recommend routine testing for people age 50 and older who have a normal risk for colon cancer. People with a higher risk, such as African Americans and people with a strong family history of colon cancer, may need to be tested sooner. Talk to your doctor about when you should be tested.

For more information on screening tests for colon cancer, see:

Opens New Window Colon Cancer: Which Screening Test Should I Have? Opens New Window

For people at an increased risk for colorectal cancer

Your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent testing if you:

• Already have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
• Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with an Reference adenomatous polyp Opens New Window or colorectal cancer.
• Are an African American.
• Have had adenomatous polyps removed from your colon. This type of polyp is more likely to turn into cancer, but the risk is still very low.
• Have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Reference ulcerative colitis Opens New Window or Reference Crohn's disease Opens New Window.
• Have a rare inherited polyp syndrome, such as FAP or Lynch syndrome (HNPCC).
• Have had Reference radiation treatments Opens New Window to the abdomen or pelvis.

What to think about

Virtual colonoscopy uses Reference X-rays Opens New Window and computers to take two- or three-dimensional pictures of the interior lining of your Reference large intestine Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. It may be used as a test for people who do not have an increased risk for colon cancer or for people who cannot have a colonoscopy. For people who have an increased risk for colon cancer, conventional colonoscopy may be better because it permits tissue biopsies or polyp removal. Virtual colonoscopy is not widely available, and the cost may not be covered by insurance.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.