Health library

Colorectal cancer: Get tested on time

Been screened for colorectal cancer yet? It's the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. And screening is one of the best things you can do to protect against it.

When should you start screening? If you're at average risk, start screening at age 45. If you're at higher risk, you may need to start earlier and screen more often.

What raises your colorectal cancer risk?

A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
A strong family history of colorectal cancer.
Having inflammatory bowel disease.
Having an inherited colorectal cancer syndrome (such as Lynch syndrome).
Previous radiation exposure to the belly.

Screening can find and remove polyps that cause cancer. It also can catch the disease early, before it spreads. Talk to your doctor about your risk and when you should get screened.

Reviewed 2/26/2026

Sources

American Cancer Society. "American Cancer Society Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening." https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html.
American Cancer Society. "Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented?" https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html.
American Cancer Society. "How Common Is Colorectal Cancer?" https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.