<p>If you're between ages 45 to 75 years, get screened (tested) regularly for colorectal&nbsp;cancer. Screening tests can help prevent colorectal cancer or find it early, when it may be easier to treat.</p>

<p>You may need to get screened before age 45 years if colorectal cancer runs in your family. Your doctor may also recommend that you continue to get screened if you’re between ages 76 and 85 years, depending on certain risk factors and your overall health.</p>

<p>Talk with your doctor about your risk for colorectal cancer.</p>

<h4>How often should I get screened for colorectal cancer?</h4>

<p>How often you need to get screened will depend on:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Your risk for colorectal cancer</li>
	<li>Which screening test you choose</li>
</ul>

<h4>How do I decide which type of screening test to get?</h4>

<p>There are different ways to screen for colorectal cancer. Your doctor can help you decide which type of screening test is right for you.</p>

<p>Before you talk with your doctor about which screening to get, it can be helpful to think about your values and preferences.&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/colorectal-cancer-screening-which-test-would-prefer?_label_=Answer+these+questions+to+find+out+which+screening+test+you+would+prefer">Answer these questions to find out which screening test you would prefer</a>&nbsp;— then share the results with your doctor.</p>


The Basics: Overview

<h4>What are the different kinds of screening tests?</h4>

<p>There are several different kinds of screening tests for colorectal cancer. The main types are:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Stool-based tests</li>
	<li>Tests that look directly inside the colon and rectum</li>
</ul>

<p>Stool tests are done at home. You collect a stool (poop) sample and send it to your doctor's office or a lab for testing.</p>

<p>Tests that look directly at your colon and rectum —&nbsp;like a colonoscopy —&nbsp;happen&nbsp;in a doctor's office or hospital.&nbsp;For these tests, you need to take a laxative to clean out your bowels before the appointment. For a colonoscopy, you'll get anesthesia before the test, and you'll need someone to drive you home after the test.</p>

<p>Your doctor will tell you how to get ready for your test, including if you need to avoid certain foods or medicines beforehand.&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/screening-fact-sheet?_label_=Learn+more+about+colorectal+cancer+screening+tests" id="anch_39">Learn more about colorectal cancer screening tests</a>.</p>

<h4>Does it hurt to get a colonoscopy?</h4>

<p>Preparing for a colonoscopy can be unpleasant, but most people agree that the benefits to their health outweigh any discomfort. And getting anesthesia means you won’t have any pain or feel uncomfortable during the test.</p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>To learn more,&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/stories.htm?_label_=check+out+these+colorectal+cancer+screening+stories+from+real+people">check out these colorectal cancer screening stories from real people</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>


The Basics: What to Expect

<h4>What is colorectal cancer?</h4>

<p>Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum. The colon is the longest part of the large intestine. The rectum is the bottom part of the large intestine.</p>

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<p><br />
Like all cancers, colorectal cancer can spread to other parts of your body.&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/http/www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal?_label_=Find+out+more+about+colorectal+cancer" id="anch_43">Find out more about colorectal cancer</a>.</p>


The Basics: Colorectal Cancer

<h4>Am I at risk for colorectal cancer?</h4>

<p>The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases as you get older. That’s why screening is recommended for everyone ages 45 to 75 years.</p>

<p>Other risk factors are:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Having certain types of polyps (growths) inside the colon</li>
	<li>Having a personal or family history of colorectal cancer</li>
	<li>Smoking cigarettes</li>
	<li>Being overweight or having obesity</li>
	<li>Not getting enough physical activity</li>
	<li>Drinking too much alcohol</li>
	<li>Having inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other health conditions that cause chronic (long-term) problems with the small intestine and colon</li>
</ul>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Use this calculator&nbsp;with your doctor to&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/ccrisktool.cancer.gov?_label_=find+out+your+risk+of+colorectal+cancer">find out your risk of colorectal cancer</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<h4>Take control — get screened regularly.</h4>

<p>If you get screened regularly, you have a good chance of preventing colorectal cancer or finding it when it can be treated more easily.</p>

<p>During a colonoscopy:</p>

<ul>
	<li>If your doctor finds polyps inside your colon, they can remove the polyps during your test — before they turn into cancer&nbsp;</li>
	<li>If your doctor finds cancer during the test, you can take steps to get treatment right away</li>
</ul>

<p>If you get an unusual result on a stool test, your doctor will do a follow-up colonoscopy to look for cancer.</p>


The Basics: Am I at Risk?

<p>The best way to prevent colorectal cancer —&nbsp;or find it early —&nbsp;is to get screened starting at age&nbsp;45 years.</p>

<h4>Talk with your doctor about getting screened.</h4>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/talking-doctor/colorectal-cancer-screening-questions-doctor?_label_=Use+these+questions+to+ask+your+doctor+about+colorectal+cancer+screening">Use these questions to ask your doctor about colorectal cancer screening</a>. Take them to your next checkup — you can print them out or pull them up on a smartphone or tablet.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<h5>What about cost?</h5>

<p>Under the&nbsp;Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans must cover screening for colorectal cancer. Depending on your&nbsp;plan, you may be able to get screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.</p>

<p>Medicare may also cover screening for colorectal cancer screening at no cost. If you have&nbsp;Medicare,&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/medicare-covered-services/preventive-services/colorectal-cancer-screenings?_label_=find+out+about+Medicare+coverage+for+different+colorectal+cancer+screening+tests">find out about Medicare coverage for different colorectal cancer screening tests</a>.</p>

<p>If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost colorectal cancer screening. To learn more,&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/?_label_=find+a+health+center+near+you">find a health center near you</a>.</p>

<p>To learn more, check out these resources:</p>

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/?_label_=Free+preventive+care%26nbsp%3Bcovered+by+the+Affordable+Care+Act">Free preventive care&nbsp;covered by the Affordable Care Act</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/www.healthcare.gov/health-care-law-protections/?_label_=How+the+Affordable+Care+Act+protects+you">How the Affordable Care Act protects you</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/marketplace.cms.gov/technical-assistance-resources/c2c-roadmap.pdf?_label_=Understanding+your+health+insurance+and+how+to+use+it%26nbsp%3B%5BPDF+-+698+KB%5D">Understanding your health insurance and how to use it&nbsp;[PDF - 698 KB]</a></li>
</ul>

<h4>Get support.</h4>

<p>If you're nervous about getting a colorectal cancer screening, get support:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Ask a family member or friend to go with you when you talk to the doctor</li>
	<li>Talk with people you know who have been screened to learn what to expect</li>
</ul>

<h5>Give support.</h5>

<p>Do you know someone age 45 years or older who hasn’t been screened for colorectal cancer yet?&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/myhealthfinder/topics/health-conditions/cancer/colorectal-cancer-screening-conversation-starters?_label_=Use+these+tips+to+start+a+conversation+about+the+importance+of+screening" id="anch_54">Use these tips to start a conversation about the importance of screening</a>.</p>


Take Action: Get Screened

<h4>Quit smoking.</h4>

<p>People who smoke are more likely to get colorectal cancer. If you smoke,&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/myhealthfinder/topics/health-conditions/diabetes/quit-smoking?_label_=make+a+plan+to+quit+today" id="anch_57">make a plan to quit today</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<h4>Watch your weight.</h4>

<p>Being overweight increases your chance of developing colon cancer.&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/myhealthfinder/topics/health-conditions/diabetes/watch-your-weight?_label_=Find+out+how+to+control+your+weight" id="anch_58">Find out how to control your weight</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<h4>Get active.</h4>

<p>Regular exercise may help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/myhealthfinder/topics/health-conditions/diabetes/get-active?_label_=Take+steps+to+get+moving+today" id="anch_59">Take steps to get moving today</a>.</p>

<h4>Drink alcohol only in moderation.</h4>

<p>Drinking too much alcohol may increase your risk of colorectal cancer. If you choose to drink,&nbsp;<a href="https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/api/outlink/topicsearch.json/https/health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/everyday-healthy-living/mental-health-relationships/drink-alcohol-only?_label_=have+only+a+moderate+%28limited%29+amount">have only a moderate (limited) amount</a>. This means:</p>

<ul>
	<li>1 drink or less in a day for women</li>
	<li>2 drinks or less in a day for men</li>
</ul>


Take Action: Healthy Habits

Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer

<p>If you’re age 45 to 75 years, get screened (tested) regularly for colorectal cancer. If you’re age 76 to 85 years, ask your doctor if you need to continue to get screened.</p>

<p>You may need to start getting screened before age 45 years if colorectal cancer runs in your family.</p>

<p>Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are several kinds of screening tests for colorectal cancer. You can even do some at home. Before your next doctor visit, <a href="/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/screening-tests/colorectal-cancer-screening-which-test-would-i-prefer">learn about the different types of tests that check for colorectal cancer</a>. Then use that information to talk with your doctor about which test is right for you.</p>

<h2>What about cost?</h2>

<p>Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans must cover colorectal cancer screening for adults ages 45 to 75 years. Depending on your plan, you may be able to get screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.</p>

<h2>What do I ask the doctor?</h2>

<p>When you visit the doctor, it helps to have questions ready ahead of time. You can also ask a family member or friend to go with you to take notes.</p>

<p>Consider taking this list of questions to your next appointment.</p>

<ul>
	<li>Am I at risk for colorectal cancer?</li>
	<li>When do you recommend that I start getting tested?</li>
	<li>How often do I need to get tested?</li>
	<li>What are the different types of screening tests for colorectal cancer?</li>
	<li>Which screening test do you recommend for me? Why?</li>
	<li>What happens during the test? How do I prepare?</li>
	<li>Does the test have any risks or side effects?</li>
	<li>How long will it take to get the results?</li>
	<li>What can I do to reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?</li>
</ul>


Colorectal Cancer Screening: Questions for the Doctor

<p>Everyone ages 45 to 75 years needs to get screened (tested) regularly for colorectal cancer. If you're worried about a family member or friend who has put off getting screened, use these tips to start a conversation.</p>

<h2>Start by letting them know you care.</h2>

<p>Try saying:</p>

<ul>
	<li>“I want you to live a long and healthy life.”</li>
	<li>“I want you to get tested so you don’t have to worry about colorectal&nbsp;cancer.”</li>
</ul>

<h2>Explain the reasons for getting screened.</h2>

<p>You can say:</p>

<ul>
	<li>“Colorectal cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer, and your risk increases as you get older.”</li>
	<li>“If the doctor finds a growth in your colon during the test, they can remove it before it even turns into cancer.”</li>
	<li>“If you do have colorectal cancer, getting tested regularly can help you find out early — when it may be easier to treat.”</li>
</ul>

<h2>Offer support.</h2>

<p>You can say:</p>

<ul>
	<li>“What part of the test are you most worried about?”</li>
	<li>“How can I make it easier for you to get tested?”</li>
	<li>“Some parts of the test might make you&nbsp;uncomfortable, but it'll be over very quickly.”</li>
</ul>

<p>Here are some ways to support a loved one:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Encourage your family member or friend to learn about the different types of screening tests that check for colorectal cancer and <a href="/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/screening-tests/colorectal-cancer-screening-which-test-would-i-prefer">decide which test they might prefer</a></li>
	<li>If your loved one decides to get a screening test, help make the appointment or offer to drive them&nbsp;</li>
	<li><a href="/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/talking-doctor/colorectal-cancer-screening-questions-doctor">Share this list of questions for the doctor</a> to help your loved one get ready for their appointment</li>
	<li>If you’re age 45 to 75 years, set an example — get screened for colorectal cancer and share your experience with your loved one</li>
</ul>


Relevant Topics

Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Questions for the Doctor

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Conversation Starters

Health Information Categories