Colon Cancer Screening
Colon Cancer Screening
COLON CANCER SCREENING
The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done by direct visualization with a screening colonoscopy. People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than ten years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75. For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history. People over 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening.
For screening, people are considered to be at average risk if they do not have:
• A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
• A family history of colorectal cancer
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (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 prior cancer.