Colon cancer screening guidelines

Colorectal cancers are some of the most preventable because screening tests are highly effective at finding cancer early. Still, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for men and women combined.

Experts recommend that all men and women get routine colorectal cancer screenings. With multiple screening locations in Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Green Bay and throughout eastern Wisconsin, Aurora Health Care makes it easy to get the care you need.

What is colorectal cancer screening?

A colorectal cancer screening is a test to check for early signs of cancer in people with no symptoms. These screenings can find growths (polyps) before they become cancerous. Treatment is most likely to be successful when cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages.

Types of colorectal cancer screenings

There are several types of colorectal cancer screenings:

• Colonoscopy: Doctors consider colonoscopies the gold standard in colorectal cancer screening. The test uses a thin, flexible tube (colonoscope) to examine the entire colon and rectum. If your doctor sees any polyps, they can remove the growths during the procedure. Find out more about preparing for a colonoscopy.
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): An FOBT checks your stool for specks of blood that are detectable only under a microscope. Blood in the stool may be a sign of polyps or other tissue changes. Your doctor may order an FOBT to test the stool with a chemical substance called guaiac, or they may order a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) to test the stool with a special liquid.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This test is like a colonoscopy, but it examines only your rectum and the lower third of your colon. The test takes about 10 minutes and usually doesn’t require sedation.
• Double-contrast barium enema: Your doctor uses an enema to inject a barium solution and air through your anus and into your rectum and colon. Then they take a series of X-rays. The barium coats your intestinal lining and helps highlight polyps or other tissue irregularities. The test takes about 45 minutes.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Depending on your risk factors and health history, your doctor may allow you to get other screenings instead. These tests may be less invasive than a colonoscopy, but you need them more often. If any of them show polyps or other signs of cancer, you may need a diagnostic colonoscopy to get a closer look.

When to start colon cancer screening

Colon cancer screening guidelines vary depending on your risk factors. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that most adults start colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continue until age 75.

You may need to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45 if you have a high risk of colorectal cancer. After age 75, your provider will discuss whether colorectal cancer screening is still beneficial.

Colorectal cancer risk

Your doctor evaluates your risk factors to determine what screening tests you need, when to start screening and how often to screen. You may be at a higher risk of colorectal cancer if you have:

• Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (Lynch syndrome)
• Medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps

When should you get a colonoscopy for colon cancer screening?

You should start getting colonoscopies for colon cancer screening at age 45. Your doctor may recommend starting earlier if you have a higher risk for colon cancer.

How often do I need a colonoscopy?

If you have a low to average risk of colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend you get a colonoscopy every 10 years. You may need more frequent colonoscopies if you have a higher risk for cancer.

How to schedule a colonoscopy

Your first step to scheduling a colonoscopy is discussing a referral for this screening with your primary care provider, who will determine if it’s the right time for you to get a colonoscopy.

If you have a primary care provider, schedule an appointment in LiveWell. And if you need a new provider, we’ll help you find a doctor.