Question: When and how often should I get tested for colon cancer?
Answer: For healthy individuals who aren't at high risk for developing colon cancer, screening should begin at age 50. There are several testing methods available, and testing should occur every 5-10 years. Discuss with your physician the options for colon cancer testing and how often you should be tested.
Testing can be done earlier or more frequent for those who have a high risk for developing colon cancer. High risk can mean having a family or personal history of colon cancer. It can also mean having hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, or chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Those who are high risk need to discuss with their doctor about screening for their personal healthcare history.
