Who should be screened for colon cancer and at what age?
Most individuals are considered to be at average risk for colon cancer and the current recommendation is to begin colon cancer screening with colonoscopy at age 50 years. If the first colonoscopy is negative, follow-up at 7 to 10 years is appropriate.The objective is to identify polyps (which usually cause no symptoms) and remove them before they become cancerous. Persons considered at higher than average risk for colon cancer include those with first-degree relatives with colon cancer, individuals and family members with other cancers (such as gynecologic) and especially multiple cancers, and persons with ulcerative and Crohn’s colitis. The age at which cancer screening should begin in these patients varies with their personal and family histories. For example those with young first degree relatives with colon cancer should undergo their first screening study at an age at least 10 years younger than that relative. Average risk African-Americans should undergo their initial colonoscopy
