Colorectal Cancer - FAQs

Who should be screened and when?

Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for men and women beginning at age 50.

What are my screening options and how often should I be screened?

The recommended screening methods and intervals are:

•Colonoscopy (once every 10 years)

•High-Sensitivity Fecal Occult Blood Test, also known as a Stool Test or FIT (once a year)

•Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years)

What are questions to ask my doctor?

•What screening test(s) do you recommend for me?

•How do I prepare?

•Do I need to change my diet or my usual medication schedule?

•What’s involved in the test?

•Will it be uncomfortable or painful?

•Is there any risk involved?

•When and from whom will I get results?

Last Updated: 7/20/2015