Enter your details below to see general screening-age guidance. This is not a diagnosis. It is a starting point for a conversation with your doctor.
Fill in the form and press the button to see your results here.
Compare your situation with these common patterns. Each card shows when screening usually starts and what to discuss with your doctor.
Typical start: Age 45
Most people fall here. Begin regular screening at 45 with a colonoscopy every 10 years or a stool test every 1-3 years.
If you have multiple personal risk factors (smoking, obesity, heavy alcohol use), talk to your doctor about starting a bit earlier.
Typical start: Age 40, or 10 years before the youngest case in the family (whichever is earlier)
This is one of the most common reasons to screen earlier. A colonoscopy is usually the preferred first test.
Make sure your doctor knows the exact age your relative was diagnosed. That number changes the timeline.
Typical start: Age 40
The risk increase is smaller than with a younger diagnosis, but earlier screening is still commonly recommended.
Some guidelines treat this closer to average risk. Ask your doctor which approach fits your full picture.
Typical start: Age 40, or 10 years before the youngest case (whichever is earlier)
Multiple affected relatives significantly raise your risk. Genetic counseling may be recommended in addition to early colonoscopy.
If you have not already, ask about genetic testing for Lynch syndrome or other hereditary conditions.
Typical start: 8 years after diagnosis of extensive colitis, or 12 years after left-sided colitis
IBD-related screening follows a different clock. It is based on how long you have had the disease and how much of the colon is affected.
Work with a gastroenterologist who understands IBD surveillance. Standard screening timelines do not apply here.
Typical start: Teens to early 20s, depending on the syndrome
Hereditary syndromes require specialized surveillance plans. Screening often starts in adolescence and repeats every 1-2 years.
If you carry one of these gene changes, your doctor will build a custom plan. This checker cannot replace that process.
Use this checklist to get ready for your screening. Pick the column that matches your test type. Print this page or save it to your phone.
Having a short list of questions ready makes your appointment more productive. Copy the ones that fit your situation.
This is the most important question. Your doctor can combine your personal details with the latest guidelines to give you a specific age.
Colonoscopy is the most thorough, but stool tests are less invasive and work well for many people. Your doctor can explain the trade-offs.
If you have multiple relatives with colorectal cancer or related cancers (uterine, stomach, ovarian), genetic counseling may be a good next step.
It depends on the test and what they find. A clear colonoscopy usually means waiting 10 years. A positive stool test means a follow-up colonoscopy.
Blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, or a change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few weeks all warrant a call.
Most insurance plans cover screening colonoscopy for people 45 and older. Call your insurer to confirm your specific coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.
Regular exercise, a diet high in fiber and low in processed meat, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and not smoking all help reduce risk.
This checker is built for adults who want a clear, plain-language starting point for colorectal cancer screening decisions. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Here is what to keep in mind.
It takes your age, family history, and common risk factors and maps them to general screening-age recommendations. It also gives you a preparation checklist and a list of questions to bring to your doctor.
It does not diagnose cancer. It does not replace a doctor's evaluation. It does not account for every possible medical condition or guideline variation. If you have symptoms, call your doctor regardless of what this page says.
This page follows general U.S. guidelines (USPSTF, ACS, and major gastroenterology societies). Guidelines differ by country. If you live outside the U.S., check with your local health authority for region-specific recommendations.
Last reviewed: January 2026. Guidelines change. Verify with your healthcare provider.