Colon & Rectum
Guidelines for Early Detection from American Cancer Society:
- Men and women who are at average risk and who are age 50 or older should follow one of the five examination schedules below:
yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
FOBT every year AND flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years (preferred by the Society over either option alone)
double contrast barium enema every five years
colonoscopy every 10 years
People with a personal history of polyps, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease or a family history of colon cancer or polyps are at higher risk for colon cancer. They may need to start being tested before age 50 and have tests done more often.
(Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer, American Cancer Society)
*** These guidelines are for the early detection of cancer for people without symptoms. Some people are at higher risk for certain cancers, so they may need to have tests more often and start when they are younger. Talk with your health care professional to find out how these guidelines relate to you.
Cancer-Related Checkups
For individual undergoing periodic health examinations, a cancer-related checkup should include health counseliing, and depending on a person's age, might include examinations for cancers of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lumph nodes, testes, and ovaries, as well as for some nonmalignant diseases.
For more information from the American Cancer Society, please visit www.cancer.org