The American Cancer Society guidelines for colorectal screening depends on your risk for colorectal cancer. Screening recommendations for people who are at average risk for colon cancer start at age 45. But anyone at any age can get colorectal cancer.

Colorectal screening for people at average risk

If you are at average risk for colorectal cancer, you should follow these guidelines:

• Starting at age 45: Get a regular screening test—see screening options below.
• Ages 75+: Talk to your provider.

You are considered at average risk if you:

• Have no personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
• Have no family history of colorectal cancer
• Have no personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
• Do not have a confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
• Do not have a personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

Call your primary care provider if you have questions about your risk.

Colorectal screening for people at increased or higher risk

You may need to start screening before age 45—or be screened more often—if you have symptoms or history that may increase your risk described below. Talk to your care team to find the best screening approach for you.

You are considered to have a higher risk if you:

• Have a personal history of
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Precancerous polyps
  • Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Have a family history (especially before age 60) of hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
  • Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)

Call your primary care provider if you have questions about your risk.