Who should be screened?
Colorectal cancer screening should be a part of routine healthcare for people starting at the age of 50. People at higher risk for colon cancer should be screened earlier. These people should discuss colorectal cancer screening with their gastroenterologist to determine the right plan for them. The bottom line: screening saves lives. Colorectal cancers almost always develop from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best and the chance for a full recovery is very high. Having regular screening tests beginning at age 50 could save your life. On occasion, your doctor may wish to start colorectal cancer screening at an earlier age than 50. We know that people whose parents (or other family members) have had colonic polyps or colon cancer at a young age are at higher risk of getting these problems themselves
