Rung 5 · Established

Colorectal cancer screening from 45

Finds cancer early and, by removing polyps, prevents some.

Early detectionWith your doctor

What studies found

The U.S. Task Force recommends screening from 45 to 75 and an individual decision from 76 to 85. Its modeling estimates 24 to 28 colorectal cancer deaths and 42 to 61 cases prevented for every 1,000 people screened from 45 to 75. In four randomized trials of 458,002 people, flexible sigmoidoscopy cut colorectal cancer deaths by 26% over 11 to 17 years. The American Cancer Society's May 2026 update also starts at 45 and says to stop after 85.

The catch

Screening colonoscopy causes about 15 major bleeds and 3 bowel tears per 10,000 procedures.

What to do

Start at 45. Choose a recommended test you will actually complete, and follow any positive stool or blood test with a colonoscopy.

Sources

USPSTF: colorectal cancer screening, final recommendation, May 2021 American Cancer Society colorectal screening guideline update, May 2026

Rung 5 of 5, Established: Large randomized trials or overwhelming, consistent human evidence; reflected in major guidelines. How we score

To take it to your doctor, print this page.

Step by step

For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer page.

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