A
screening test is used to look for a disease when a person doesn’t have symptoms.
(When a person has symptoms, diagnostic tests are used to find out the cause of
the symptoms.)
Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal
growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they
can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer
early, when treatment works best.
SCREENING GUIDELINES
Regular screening, beginning at age 50, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer. The
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that adults age 50 to 75 be
screened for colorectal cancer. The USPSTF recommends that adults age 76 to 85 ask their
doctor if they should be screened.
WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN TO GET SCREENED?
You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then continue
getting screened at regular intervals. However, you may need to be tested earlier than 50,
or more often than other people, if—
• You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
• You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or heredi-
tary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor
about—
• When to begin screening.
• Which test is right for you.
• How often to get tested.
FREE OR LOW-COST SCREENING
Six states in CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program provide colorectal cancer
screening to some people. Those eligible are low-income men and women aged 50 to 64
years who are underinsured or uninsured for screening, when resources are available and
there is no other payment option.
Colorectal cancer screening tests may be covered by your health insurance policy
without a deductible or co-pay.
For more information, go to:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/index.htm
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