As 2022 starts to wind down, Pikeville Medical Center in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, reminds people with an average risk of colorectal cancer to <strong>start regular screening at age 45</strong>. This can be done either with a sensitive test that looks for signs of cancer in a person’s stool (a stool-based test), or with an exam that looks at the colon and rectum (a visual exam). <br><br>

For screening, people are considered to be at average risk if they <strong><u>do not</u></strong> have:
<ul>
 	<li>A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps</li>
 	<li>A family history of colorectal cancer</li>
 	<li>A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)</li>
 	<li>A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)</li>
 	<li>A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer</li>
</ul>
People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the <strong>age of 75</strong>.<br><br>

For people <strong>ages 76 through 85</strong>, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history.<br><br>

People <strong>over 85</strong> no longer need to get colorectal cancer screening but can if desired.<br><br>

If you or anyone you know, is age 45 and older, and have not had one of these lifesaving screenings, please call to your primary care provider for an appointment.