Polyps and early cancers often exhibit no symptoms, which is why routine colorectal screening is important. Often, polyps can be detected and removed before cancer develops.
For men and women at average risk, screening should begin at age 50. Recommended screening options include:
• colonoscopy every 10 years
• flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
• double-contrast barium enema (lower GI series) every 5 years
• CT colonography every 5 years
• fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemistry test every year
• DNA stool testing
Men and women with certain risk factors - such as a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer - need to talk with their doctor about getting screened at a younger age. If any of the screening options show polyps or a positive result (abnormal), a follow-up colonoscopy is recommended.
Polyps and early cancers often exhibit no symptoms, which is why
routine colorectal screening is important. Often, polyps can be
detected and removed before cancer develops.For men and women at
average risk, screening should begin at age 50....
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered:Polyps and early cancers often exhibit no symptoms, which is why routine colorectal screening is important. Often, polyps can be detected and removed before cancer develops.