Colorectal Screening Advised at 45 to 75, Some Tests at Home
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer; CDC says there are several tests, some of which can be done at home, and most people should begin screening at age 45. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis; if you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening.
CDC says colorectal cancer almost always develops from abnormal growths in the colon or rectum called polyps; screening can find polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer, and can also find cancer early, when treatment works best. This article follows CDC's colorectal cancer screening page: who may need to start earlier, the types of tests and how often, and insurance coverage. Everyone's health is different; if you have questions, ask your health care provider.
Who should be screened
CDC explains (CDC, Screening for Colorectal Cancer):
- Ages 45 to 75: The Task Force recommends screening.
- Ages 76 to 85: Whether to be screened is an individual decision; if you are older than 75, talk to your doctor.
- May need to start earlier or screen more often: If you have inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis; a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps; or a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
- If you may be at higher risk: Talk to your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, how often to get tested, and other ways to lower your risk.
- Screening vs. diagnosis: A screening test looks for a disease when you don't have symptoms; when you have symptoms, diagnostic tests are used to find the cause.
Types of tests and how often
- gFOBT stool test: Uses a chemical to detect blood in the stool, once a year; you get a kit from your doctor, collect a small amount of stool at home with a stick or brush, and return it to the doctor or a lab.
- FIT stool test: Uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool, also once a year, done the same way as a gFOBT.
- FIT-DNA stool test: Combines the FIT with a test for altered DNA in the stool; you collect an entire bowel movement and send it to a lab, once every 3 years.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: The doctor puts a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum to check the rectum and lower third of the colon for polyps or cancer; every 5 years, or every 10 years with a FIT every year.
- Colonoscopy: Similar to a sigmoidoscopy but with a longer tube to check the rectum and the entire colon, and the doctor can find and remove most polyps and some cancers during the test; it is also the follow-up when other tests find something unusual; every 10 years for people who are not at increased risk.
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy): Uses X-rays and computers to produce images of the entire colon for the doctor to analyze; every 5 years.
- If a result is abnormal: If a stool test, flexible sigmoidoscopy or CT colonography result is positive or abnormal, a colonoscopy is needed to complete the screening.
- Which one: Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.
Insurance coverage
- Most insurance: Colorectal cancer screening is covered by most health insurance policies without a deductible or co-pay; check with your plan to see what is covered.
- Medicare: For Medicare coverage, visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY users call 1-877-486-2048.
If you don't have a regular doctor yet, see Pick a Primary Doctor First, HMOs Usually Need Referrals; for comparing health plans, see Bronze to Platinum Plans, Weigh Premiums Against Care Costs.
What this article did not check
- Preparing for the test: The page covers colonoscopy prep only in a video, not in text, so this article does not cover it.
- Colorectal cancer symptoms: CDC has a separate page; this article did not check it.
- Cost of each test: The page gives no amounts, so this article does not cover them.
FAQ
At what age should I start colorectal cancer screening?
CDC says the Task Force recommends screening at 45 to 75, and most people should begin at 45; people with inflammatory bowel disease, a family history or a genetic syndrome may need to start earlier and should talk to their doctor.
Do I have to get a colonoscopy?
Not necessarily. CDC lists several screening tests, including yearly stool tests done at home; but if a stool test, sigmoidoscopy or CT colonography result is abnormal, a colonoscopy is needed.
How often should I get a colonoscopy?
CDC says every 10 years for people who are not at increased risk.
Does screening cost money?
CDC says most health insurance covers colorectal cancer screening without a deductible or co-pay; check with your plan first.
Sources and date checked
All checked on 2026-11-02.
- CDC, Screening for Colorectal Cancer (page dated 2026-06-17):https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/screening/index.html