Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines

Screening recommendations for individual patients vary according to their level of risk with higher risk patients requiring more frequent and sometimes more invasive management. Risk is not static and may change over time based on changes in both family and medical history.

Average Risk

• Periodic (usually every 5–10 years) colonoscopy according to recognized guidelines 
• Other screening as recommended by recognized guidelines 
• Advise that specific lifestyle changes may modify the risk for cancer

Increased (Moderate) Risk

• Colonoscopy at earlier ages/more frequent intervals than average risk individuals (dependent on family/medical history, following recognized guidelines) 
• Regular updates of family history are important (diagnosis of colon or a Lynch-related cancer in one or more family members may change risk category)
• Advise that specific lifestyle changes may modify the risk for cancer

High Risk

• More intensive and frequent colonoscopy and screening for other related cancers (often annually, follow recognized guidelines)
• Prophylactic surgery as an option for risk reduction 
• Participation in clinical trials
• Examinations to detect other manifestations of the hereditary syndrome
• Patient may benefit from referral to a genetics specialist