Screening

Screening Saves Lives

Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

When Should I Begin to Get Screened?

You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then continue getting screened at regular intervals. However, you may need to be tested earlier or more often than other people if:

• You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer; or
• You have inflammatory bowel disease.

Speak with your doctor about when you should begin screening and how often you should be tested.

What Is Colorectal Cancer Screening?

Screening is when a test is used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. Cancer screening tests, including those for colorectal cancer, are effective when they can detect disease early. Detecting disease early can lead to more effective treatment. In some cases, screening tests can detect abnormalities such as polyps, before they have a chance to turn into cancer. So removing polyps prevents colorectal cancer from developing.

Screening Demonstration Program

CDC has established a colorectal cancer screening demonstration program at five sites aimed at increasing colorectal cancer screening among low-income adults aged 50 and over who have little or no health insurance coverage for regular screenings.

Is Free or Low-Cost Screening Available?

If you live in one of the following locations, you may be eligible for free or low-cost colorectal cancer screening through the CDC-funded screening demonstration program. To learn more—

• Suffolk County, New York: Call (631) 444-7644
• Baltimore, Maryland: Call (410) 767-1617 or 1 (866) 632-6566
• King, Clallam, and Jefferson counties, Washington: Call 1 (800) 756-5437
• Nebraska: Call 1 (800) 532-2227 or 1 (800) 833-7352 (TDD)
• St. Louis, Missouri: Call (314) 879-6392

If you live elsewhere in the United States, please call 1 (800) 4-CANCER or 1 (800) ACS-2345 to learn more about screening options in your community. You may also be able to find information about free or low-cost screening by calling your local department of health.

Related Materials

For Patients

• Screen for Life Basic Facts on Screening (PDF-314KB) (fact sheet)
• Screen for Life Detailed Facts on Screening (PDF-180KB) (fact sheet)
• Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives (PDF-334KB) (brochure)
• Screen for Life Facts for People with Medicare (PDF-869KB)
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Circle of Health for Alaskans (PDF-775KB)

For Physicians

• Screen for Life Health Professionals Facts on Screening (PDF-191KB) (fact sheet)

Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.