Colorectal Cancer Tests Save Lives infographics
Graphic illustrating the colorectal cancer testing status of adults aged 50 to 75 years. 65 percent of adults are up to date on colorectal cancer testing, 28 percent have never been tested, and 7 percent have been tested but are not up to date. Of the 28 percent of adults who have never been tested, 76 percent are insured and 24 percent are uninsured.
Choosing the right test
Do you have: Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps?
Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease?
Answer Yes: Colonoscopy
Provider and patient determine if testing should be started before age 50.
Answer No: Are you Age 50 – 75 years old?
Answer Yes: Provider and patient decide which test is preferred.* (see table below)
Answer No: Younger than 50 years Testing is not recommended. Older than 75 years Provider and patient decide if testing is needed.
FOBT/FIT† | Colonoscopy |
---|---|
Key facts
Things to consider
†Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) |
Key facts
Things to consider
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*Flexible sigmoidoscopy may not be readily available and has largely been replaced by colonoscopy in the US. | |
SOURCE: Vital Signs 2013 and USPSTF |
- Page last reviewed: November 6, 2012
- Page last updated: November 6, 2012
- Content source:
- National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
- Page maintained by: Office of the Associate Director for Communications (OADC)