Skip to Content
Menu Search
Cancer Helpline 800.227.2345
double-chat-bubble
American Cancer Society
  • Latest News
  • English
    • Español
    • More Languages
Donate
Donate
  • Cancer A-Z
  • Stay Healthy
  • Treatment & Support
  • Our Research
  • Get Involved
  • Our Partners
  • About Us
  • News
Donate
double-chat-bubble

Cancer Helpline

800.227.2345

Phone
Search
  • Special Coverage

American Cancer Society Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening

American Cancer Society colorectal cancer screening guidelines are developed to save lives by finding colorectal cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful, or preventing it in the first place by finding and removing pre-cancerous polyps. ACS regularly reviews the science and updates screening recommendations when new evidence suggests that a change may be needed.

The latest guideline applies to people at average risk for colorectal cancer. Among other recommendations, it says screening for people at average risk should begin at age 45. If you’re age 45 or older, you should start getting screened for colorectal cancer. Several types of tests can be used. Talk to your health care provider about which ones might be good options for you. No matter which test you choose, the most important thing is to get tested.

Understanding the Guideline

  • American Cancer Society Updates Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline
  • Frequently Asked Questions About the American Cancer Society’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline
  • American Cancer Society Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Early Detection
  • Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Americana Contra El Cáncer para la detección temprana del cáncer colorrectal

Explore Resources

  • American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline Overview (Video)
  • 2018 Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline for Men and Women at Average Risk (Infographic)
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening: What Are My Options?

Information for Professionals

  • Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening for Average-Risk Adults: 2018 Guideline Update from the American Cancer Society
  • Cancer Screening in the United States, 2018: A Review of Current American Cancer Society Guidelines and Current Issues in Cancer Screening
  • From Guideline to Practice: New Shared Decision-Making Tools for Colorectal Cancer Screening From the American Cancer Society
  • Screening for Colon and Rectal Cancer Patient Page

Learn More

  • Learn More About Colorectal Cancer
  • Aprenda más sobre el cáncer colorrectal
  • American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer
  • Guías de la Sociedad Americana Contra El Cáncer para la detección temprana del cáncer
BackTo Top

Imagine a world free from cancer. Help make it a reality.

DONATE

Cancer Information

  • Cancer Prevention & Detection
  • Cancer Basics
  • Signs & Symptoms of Cancer
  • Treatments & Side Effects
  • Cancer Facts & Statistics
  • News and Stories
  • Glossary
  • For Health Care Professionals

Programs & Services

  • Breast Cancer Support
  • TLC Hair Loss & Mastectomy Products
  • Hope Lodge® Lodging
  • Rides To Treatment
  • Online Support Communities

ACS FUNDRAISERS

  • Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks
  • Relay For Life Events
  • College Relay For Life
  • Coaches vs. Cancer
  • Galas, Balls & Parties
  • Ways to Give
  • Memorial Giving
  • Planned Giving
  • Leadership Giving
  • Donate a Car

About ACS

  • Contact Us
  • Local Offices
  • Employment
  • Become a Supplier
  • Report Fraud or Abuse
  • Global Health
  • ACS CAN
  • Sign Up for Email
  • Policies
  • Our Volunteers

More ACS Sites

  • Bookstore
  • Shop
  • Cancer Atlas
  • Press Room
  • Cancer Statistics Center
  • Volunteer Learning Center

Follow Us

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. Available Every Minute of Every Day.

800.227.2345

Follow Us

Twitter Facebook Instagram
  • help
  • site map
  • privacy policy - 2018
  • accessibility
  • terms of use
  • state fundraising notices
  • Site Comments

© 2019 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family.

Close
*
Close
Image of
Previous Next
Close
Close

Select A Hope Lodge