Colon Cancer Screening
Beginning at age 45, men and women should follow one of the examination schedules below:
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year and flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG) every five years
- Double-contrast barium enema every five years
- Your doctor should perform a digital rectal exam at the same time as the sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or double-contrast barium enema. People with a higher risk for colorectal cancer (those who have had colorectal cancer or polyps, or who have inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis, or with blood relative who have had colorectal cancer) may need to have these tests done earlier and more often. These individuals should talk with their doctor about a different screening schedule.