Do I need Colon Cancer Screening and what age?

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that people at average risk* of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45.

Read more: How Often to Have Screening Tests

To prevent colorectal cancer for people at low risk or no risk, it is advised for getting regular checkups and colon cancer screening done at the age of 50.

Colon cancer affects both genders equally and all races.
Finding and removing any polyps in the colon can prevent cancer. Colon cancer screening helps you in finding cancer earlier and a possible treatment can be started.

Colon cancer screening for patients at average or high risk:
People with the following conditions should begin before the age of 45 years. They are as follows:

• If any of your close relatives is diagnosed to be suffering from colorectal cancer.
• History of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease)
• If any of your relatives suffered from colorectal disease or polyps before 60 years
• If there is any family history of familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer
• People with history of multiple or large polyps
• People who had surgery for colorectal cancer