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A colonoscopy is one of several screening tests for colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis.
The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk* of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam).
Learn about the methods used to screen for colorectal cancer. This fact sheet also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of several colorectal cancer screening tests.
The Task Force recommends that adults age 76 to 85 talk to their doctor about screening. The Task Force recommends several colorectal cancer screening strategies, including stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy). Learn about these screening tests.
Oct 20, 2023 · Our syndication services page shows you how. There are five types of tests that are used to screen for colorectal cancer: fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, and DNA stool test. Learn more about these and other tests in this expert-reviewed summary.
Dec 6, 2022 · Colonoscopy takes about 30 to 60 minutes and screening is generally repeated every 10 years if no abnormalities are found and you don't have an increased risk of colon cancer. The pros: Colonoscopy is one of the most sensitive tests currently available for colon cancer screening.
May 18, 2021 · Colorectal Cancer: Screening. May 18, 2021. Recommendations made by the USPSTF are independent of the U.S. government. They should not be construed as an official position of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Read the Full Recommendation Statement Download (PDF)
