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Updated Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
July 6th 2021: Colorectal cancer is the among most prevalent cause of cancer death in the the world. Regular screening, on the other hand, can detect colorectal cancer while it is tiny, hasn’t spread, and may be easier to treat. Some forms of screening can also aid in the detection and removal of polyps, which are precancerous growths that can develop into cancer.
offers colorectal cancer screening guidelines and suggests that those at average risk begin screening at the age of 45. Because studies show that rates of among persons younger than 50 are on the rise, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recently decreased the age to begin screening. Screening beginning at the age of 45, according to ACS specialists, could help save more lives.
Colorectal cancer screening recommendations for persons at average risk :
- Regular screening should begin at the age of 45 for people who are at average risk.
- People in good health who expect to live at least another ten years should continue to have monthly screenings until they are 75 years old.
- People aged 76 to 85 should discuss whether or not they should continue to be screened with their doctor. Personal preferences, prior screening findings, overall health, and life expectancy should all be considered.
Colorectal cancer screenings for people above the age of 85 are no longer recommended
Colorectal cancer screening for persons with a higher risk :
People who are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer should begin screening before the age of 45. They may also require more frequent screenings or specialized diagnostics. Those with diabetes are at a higher risk.
- A strong family history of colorectal cancer or specific types of polyps is a risk factor for colorectal cancer.
- Having had colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps in the past
- Irritable bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) is a personal history.
- A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome runs in the family.
- A history of past cancer treatment that included radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvis
- People who suspect or know they have a higher risk of colorectal cancer should speak with their doctor. Your health care practitioner can assist you in determining the appropriate screening choice and timeline for you.
Screening Test Options and Frequency
There are several test options for colorectal cancer screening. There are some differences among the tests. But the most important thing is to get screened, no matter which test you choose.
Stool-based tests:
- Highly sensitive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
- Highly sensitive guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every year
- Multi-targeted stool DNA test (MT-sDNA) every 3 years
Visual exams:
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG) every 5 years
It’s important that everyone talk to their health care provider about which tests might be good options. You should also check your insurance about payment for each test option.
These screening tests must be done at recommended time points to be effective. If you choose a test other than a colonoscopy, any abnormal test result must be followed up with a colonoscopy to see whether you have cancer.
How CancerFax Helps
CancerFax is a specialist cancer access and patient-navigation platform. We help patients and families understand their options, organise medical records, coordinate hospital communication, and support cross-border treatment planning where appropriate.
We help collect and organise reports, scans, pathology, biomarker results, and treatment history for structured case review.
We communicate with hospitals or trial teams to assess whether a case may be suitable for further screening.
We support appointment coordination, document submission, translation, and direct communication with international departments.
For international patients, we help with practical coordination — travel planning, hospital admission guidance, and local support.
If this option is not suitable, we help explore other relevant treatments, clinical trials, or advanced care pathways.
From inquiry through to follow-up, our coordinators provide a single point of contact for the family.
CancerFax does not guarantee treatment access, eligibility, or clinical outcome. Our role is to help patients access accurate information, structured review, and appropriate specialist pathways.
About Susan Hau
Susan Hau is a distinguished researcher in the field of cancer cell therapy, with a particular focus on T cell-based approaches and cancer vaccines. Her work spans several innovative treatment modalities, including CAR T-cell therapy, TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte) therapy, and NK (Natural Killer) cell therapy. Hau's expertise lies in cancer cell biolo…
✓ Reviewed for medical accuracy by the CancerFax review panel.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified oncology specialist. Every patient's case is different. Treatment decisions should always be made after a review of complete medical records by the treating medical team.
Treatment availability, eligibility, timelines, and access can change. Any clinical trial participation depends on detailed review and approval by the trial hospital or investigator.