Even if you’re feeling well, routine screenings for colorectal cancer are important to help keep you healthy. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer in the U.S. But if caught early, it can be treated. Adults ages 50 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer every year. People who have a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps and those with inflammatory bowel disease may need to begin screenings at an earlier age.

Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

• Fecal occult blood test, which checks for blood in the stool. Stool samples are collected at home and then sent to a laboratory for testing.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy, which is typically conducted in a doctor’s office or clinic. To perform the test, the doctor inserts a flexible, lighted tube into the rectum to examine the lower part of the colon. The doctor may also collect tissue samples and polyps for further examination. A flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years is recommended.
• Double-contrast barium enema, which uses an X-ray to check for polyps in the colon. A barium solution is inserted into the colon, which is inflated with air to get a clear X-ray image. A double-contrast barium enema every five years is recommended.
• Colonoscopy, which is generally performed in a doctor’s office or an outpatient clinic, is similar to the flexible sigmoidoscopy. However, a colonoscopy uses a longer tube that allows the doctor to see the entire colon and take tissue samples or remove polyps if necessary. A colonoscopy every 10 years is typically recommended.

Are You At Risk?
Click here to find out your risk for colorectal cancer with our online quiz.