Colorectal Cancer Screening For Cancer Survivors

After surviving cancer, you still need regular cancer screenings, including screening for colorectal cancer.

Beating cancer does not mean you now skip routine screening.

If You Had Colorectal Cancer

After treatment for colorectal cancer, your care team will recommend surveillance (how often to get checked) after treatment ends.

If You Had A Different Type Of Cancer

Most cancer survivors will generally follow the colorectal cancer screening guidelines and options for average risk people. Colorectal cancer screening starts at age 45. Your history of cancer may make screening with a colonoscopy most comfortable for you as this screening can find and remove small growths, called polyps, before they turn into cancer.

What increases your risk for CRC?

Radiation

Radiation to your abdomen (belly) or your pelvic area during cancer treatment may mean a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Your care team may recommend earlier and more frequent CRC screening with colonoscopy. Talk with your care team about when you should start.

Family History

If you have a family history of Lynch syndrome-related cancers or other inherited cancer conditions, you may need to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45. If you have a strong family history of many types of cancer, talk to a genetic counselor. They can help you understand your genetic risk and help you decide if genetic testing is right for you.

Other cancer screenings to consider

 

Cancer screening guidelines for average* risk individuals include:

  • Breast Cancer: mammogram every two years ages 40 to 74.
  • Cervical Cancer: Pap smear every three years ages 21 to 65, or primary HPV testing every five years.
  • Lung Cancer: Low dose CT scan ages 50 to 80 and who have a 20-pack-per-year smoking history, currently smoke, or who have quit smoking within the last 15 years.
  • Prostate Cancer: Ages 55 to 69 may choose to get a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.
  • Skin Cancer: While there are no universal routine screening guidelines, many adults undergo annual visual skin examinations by a provider and regular self-exams.

*Talk to your care team about which cancer screenings are appropriate for your unique situation.

Information on these pages is provided for educational purposes only. Consult your physician before making any medical decisions.