Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.

Make sure to talk with your doctor about the best test for you.

Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should use ONE of the screening tests below:

Stool based tests that can detect cancer

  • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year, for 3-5 years consecutively
  • High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year, for 3-5 years consecutively
  • Stool DNA test (sDNA), interval 3 years

Positive tests must be followed by a colonoscopy

Tests that can find polyps and prevent cancer

  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (Flex Sig) plus FIT every 10 years
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years
  • CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years followed by colonoscopy to remove large polyps
  • Stool DNA test (sDNA), interval 3 years

Colorectal Cancer Risk Categories and Screening Guidelines

Men and women with a personal or family history or adenomatous polyps or cancer may need to be screened earlier than age 50. For more information about screening options and risk, visit the American Cancer Society or Fight CRC.

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.