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All men and women age 50 and over should be tested regularly for colorectal cancer. For those at average risk, this includes an annual digital rectal exam and fecal occult blood test. In addition, men and women age 50 and over should talk to their doctor about regular preventive screenings. These include flexible sigmoidoscopy (generally recommended once every 5 years if the first test is normal), a colonoscopy (once every 10 years if the first test is normal), or a barium enema (once every 5 to 10 years if the first test is normal).
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Men and women who are at higher risk because they have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, need to be screened before age 50. In addition to an annual digital rectal exam and fecal occult blood test, they should be given regular preventive screenings every three years regardless of whether the first test is normal.
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Women with a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer may also need to be screened before age 50.
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