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The Basics: Overview

If you are age 50 to 75, get tested regularly for colorectal (“koh-loh-REK-tuhl”) cancer. All it takes is a visit to the doctor to have a special exam (called a screening).

You may need to get tested before age 50 if colorectal cancer runs in your family. Talk with your doctor and ask about your risk for colorectal cancer.

How often should I get screened?
How often you get screened will depend on your risk for colorectal cancer. It will also depend on which screening test is used.

There are different ways to test for colorectal cancer. Some tests are done every 1 to 2 years. Other tests are done every 5 to 10 years. Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for you and how often to get screened.

Most people can stop getting screened after age 75. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.

The Basics: What to Expect

What happens during the test?
There are different kinds of tests used to screen for colorectal cancer. Some tests you can do at home, such as a fecal occult blood test. Other tests, such as a colonoscopy, must be done in a clinic or hospital.

You may need to drink only clear liquids (like water or plain tea) the day before your test and use laxatives to clean out your colon. Your doctor will tell you how to get ready for your test. Learn more about colorectal cancer screening tests.

Does it hurt to get tested?
Some people find the tests for colorectal cancer to be uncomfortable. Most people agree that the benefits to their health outweigh the discomfort. Read real people’s stories about colorectal cancer screening.

The Basics: Colorectal Cancer

What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a term that’s used for both colon cancer and rectal cancer. Like other types of cancer, colorectal cancer can spread to other parts of your body.

The colon is the longest part of the large intestine. The rectum is the bottom part of the large intestine.

To learn more about colorectal cancer, visit these websites:

• Colon and Rectal Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer (information for older adults)

The Basics: Am I at Risk?

Am I at risk for colorectal cancer?
People over age 50 are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Other risk factors are:

• Polyps (growths) inside the colon
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Health conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, which cause chronic inflammation (ongoing irritation) of the intestines

Use this calculator to find out your risk of colorectal cancer.

The Basics: Act Early

Take control – act early.
If you act early, you have a good chance of preventing colorectal cancer or finding it when it can be treated more easily.

• If your doctor finds polyps inside your colon during testing, these growths can be removed before they become cancer.
• If you find out you have cancer after you get tested, you can take steps to treat it right away.

Take Action: Get Tested

The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get tested starting at age 50.

Talk with your doctor about getting screened.
Print these questions to ask your doctor about colorectal cancer screening. Take them to your next checkup.