Colonoscopy Screening Guidelines: Family History of Colon Cancer

If you have a family history of colon cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends the following screening guidelines:

Average risk

- Men and women with no family history of colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 45.

- Screening should continue every 10 years if the results are normal.

- People who are at higher risk, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or a personal history of colorectal polyps, may need to be screened more often.

Increased risk

- People with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a young age (under age 60) should begin screening at age 40 or 10 years younger than the age at which the relative was diagnosed, whichever comes first.

- Screening should be repeated every 5-10 years, depending on the results of the initial screening.

- People with two or more first-degree relatives who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer at any age should begin screening at age 40.

- Screening should be repeated every 2-3 years.

It's important to talk to your doctor to develop a personalized screening plan based on your individual risk and risk factors.