Are you age 50 or above?
Beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow one of these five screening options: African American men/women should begin at age 45.
Yearly
- Fecal occult blood test; all positive tests should be followed by a colonoscopy.
Every 5 Years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Double-contrast barium enema
Every 5-10 Years
Individuals should start screening earlier or have screening more often if they have any of the following colon cancer risk factors: a strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, meaning a parent, sibling or child who developed cancer or polyps younger than age 60; families with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes; a personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps; or a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.