The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American College of Gastroenterology both recommend that colon cancer screening start at age 45. They also suggest ongoing surveillance until at least age 75, depending on other health factors. If you have additional risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer or precancerous polyps (adenomas), a personal history of other cancers, or a hereditary condition linked to higher colon cancer risk, screening might need to begin at a younger age. Unexplained rectal bleeding at any age should also be evaluated. If you have specific questions about when to be screened, please contact our office to schedule an appointment to discuss your screening plan.