Screening is recommended if you are 50 years of age or older, with no risk factors. The test is ordered earlier if you have a family history (first-degree relative: parent, sibling or child) of colorectal cancer or polyps. If the relative was diagnosed at <60 years of age or if two relatives were diagnosed at any age, you are advised to have a screening colonoscopy at 40 years of age or 10 years before the age of the earliest diagnosis (whichever comes first). The screening needs to be repeated every 5 years. If the relative was diagnosed at ≥60 years of age or if two relatives were diagnosed at any age, you are advised to have a screening colonoscopy at 40 years of age, and repeat every 10 years.
