In May 2021, The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) officially changed the recommended age at which Americans should begin regular screenings for colon cancer from 50 to 45.
*For screening, people are considered to be at average risk if they do not have:
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- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
- A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer
For those at an increased risk, talk to your doctor to see if you should start screening for colon cancer at an earlier age than 45. Call (225) 246-9240 to make an appointment today.