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Colorectal Cancer Test Recommendations
For people at an average risk for colorectal (colon) cancer
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has the following advice for colorectal cancer testing:1
- People ages 50 to 75 should have a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Talk with your doctor about which test is best for you.
- People who have a sigmoidoscopy every 5 years should also have a stool test (FOBT) at regular intervals.
- Some people older than 75 may benefit from screening tests. Others may not. Talk to your doctor about testing for colon cancer after age 75.
The American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), and the American College of Gastroenterologists (ACG) recommend routine testing for people age 50 and older who have a normal risk for colon cancer. People with a higher risk, such as African Americans and people with a strong family history of colon cancer, may need to be tested sooner. Talk to your doctor about when you should be tested.
| Test | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|
Stool test,* such as the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or the stool DNA test (sDNA) | Every year for FOBT and FIT Every 5 years for sDNA | |
or | ||
Every 5 years | ||
or | ||
Every 10 years | ||
or | ||
Computed tomographic colonography (CTC), also called a virtual colonoscopy | Every 5 years | |
*Others recommend combining a stool test with a sigmoidoscopy. | ||
For more information on screening tests for colon cancer, see:
For people at an increased risk for colorectal cancer
Your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent testing if you:
- Already have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
- Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with an adenomatous polyp or colorectal cancer.
- Are an African American.
- Have had adenomatous polyps removed from your colon. This type of polyp is more likely to turn into cancer, but the risk is still very low.
- Have inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
- Have a rare inherited polyp syndrome.
- Have had radiation treatments to the abdomen or pelvis.
What to think about
Virtual colonoscopy uses X-rays and computers to take two- or three-dimensional
pictures of the interior lining of your large intestine
. It may be used as a
test for people who do not have an increased risk for colon cancer or for
people who cannot have a colonoscopy. For people who have an increased risk for
colon cancer, conventional colonoscopy may be better because it permits tissue
biopsies or polyp removal. Virtual colonoscopy is not widely available, and the
cost may not be covered by insurance.
For more information, see the topics Colorectal Cancer and Colon Polyps.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 5, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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