How often should you screen for colon cancer?
The frequency of screening for colon cancer will depend on your age, risk factors, personal and family history, and the method you choose.
By Exact Sciences Corporation | March 2, 2026
Has it been 10 years since your last colonoscopy? Or maybe you’re turning 45 and looking at your screening options. Come to think of it, what are the other options aside from a colonoscopy? If you’re unsure when or how often to screen, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through your options and the timing for each, so you can start planning today.
The when
For people at average risk, screening for colon cancer should start at age 45 as recommended by the American Cancer Society.1
High-risk individuals include people who have:
- Had adenomas, which are a type of colon polyp that can sometimes become cancer
- An inflammatory bowel disease or other hereditary syndromes
- A personal or first-degree family history of colorectal cancer
- A positive result from another colon cancer screening method within that test’s recommended screening interval
The why
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer for both men and women.2 It starts as a polyp (small growth) that gets larger over time. While not all polyps are cancerous, some do turn into cancer. In its early stages, it may present no symptoms.
More important to know is that colon cancer is the most preventable, yet the least prevented kind.3 When caught in its early stages (1 & 2), it is survivable in about 90% of people.4*
The how and how often1
The only way to detect colon cancer early is through screening. Luckily, average-risk individuals now have options, with some that can even be done at home and on your schedule. Let’s go through the common options while also noting the frequency for each test.
It may sound obvious, but it’s worth noting that the frequency for each method, other than a colonoscopy, depends on getting a negative result. A positive result from a use-at-home test requires a conversation with your doctor and a follow-up colonoscopy.
These screening options work differently and have their own recommended schedule. Frequency timelines may also change based on your personal or family history.
1. Colonoscopy
A flexible tube with a camera at its tip called a colonoscope, is inserted into the rectum so any polyps can be seen and identified. These, along with any biopsy (tissue samples), can be removed during the procedure.
Frequency: every 10 years after a negative result
2. Virtual colonoscopy
Also known as a CT colonography, it’s less invasive than a colonoscopy. Using a CT scan, detailed images of the colon and rectum are captured for polyps.
Frequency: every 5 years after a negative result
3. Fecal immunochemical test (FIT):
A FIT is an over-the-counter test that detects occult (hidden) blood in the stool. Noninvasive and suitable for use at home, a stool sample needs to be sent to a lab for testing.
Frequency: Every year after a negative result
4. Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT):
A gFOBT is an over-the-counter test that detects occult blood in the stool. It uses guaiac, a chemical that can detect blood up the digestive tract, including the stomach. Just like a FIT, it is noninvasive and suitable for use at home, but a stool sample needs to be sent to a lab for testing.
Frequency: Every year after a negative result
5. Cologuard® stool DNA test
The only FDA-approved stool DNA test, Cologuard detects abnormal DNA from cells, as well as tiny amounts of blood in the stool, to identify cancer and precancer. Prescription-based and noninvasive, it’s designed to be used at home with a stool sample sent to a lab for testing.
Frequency: Every 3 years after a negative result
Prevention starts with detection
Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is important, but ultimately, colon cancer prevention starts with routine screenings. Getting one is the only way to detect polyps that could grow into cancer.
As we’ve shown above, each test has its own screening frequency. To learn which one would be best for you, start the conversation with your doctor or health care provider for personalized recommendations. In fact, if you’re 45 and at average risk for colon cancer, you can check if the Cologuard test is right for you and start the process today.
