Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Certain inherited conditions, including Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis
Increasing age
People at increased risk may need to begin screening earlier or undergo testing more frequently than people at average risk. ([CDC][3])
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, don’t simply follow the screening schedule recommended for average-risk adults without discussing your individual risk with a healthcare professional.
Why Screening Is So Important
One of the most important facts about colorectal cancer is that screening can find disease before symptoms appear.
Colorectal cancer often begins as a polyp—a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some types of polyps can eventually become cancerous. Finding and removing certain precancerous polyps can therefore help prevent colorectal cancer. ([Institut National du Cancer][2])
Screening can also find cancer at an earlier stage, when it may be easier to treat. ([Cancer.org][6])
