Screening is checking for cancer in person with no symptoms. Men and women who are 50 or older should get screened regularly for colorectal cancer. Men and women who are at high risk because they have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease might need to be screened before age 50. Talk to your doctor or health professional about when you should begin screening. About 75 percent of all new cases of colorectal cancer occur in individuals with no known risk factors for the disease, other than being 50 or older.
Colorectal cancer strikes only older, white men.
And it is estimated that more than 62,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2000. African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in its advanced stages. Colorectal cancer screening is not covered under most health plans. Many commercial health plans also cover the cost of screening.