Who needs to have a colon cancer screening?

Begin at 50.: Due to the high prevalence of colon cancer in the US, screening is advised for everyone beginning at age 50; if one has a strong family history of colon cancer, screening should begin 10 years earlier. A number of different tests are available for screening: consult with your primary care physician to decide which is best for you.

Additionally: In addition to the above, patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis for longer than 10 years regardless of the activity of the disease should get frequent screenings every 1-2 years, regardless of their age.