According to the research, the following schedule is recommended
for individuals with no known risk factors for colorectal cancer:
Procedure Beginning
at age Frequency
Fecal occult blood test 50 years Annually
Sigmoidoscopy 50 years Every 5 years
Barium enema 50 years Every 5 to 10 years
Colonoscopy 50 years Every 10 years
The recommended frequency of colonoscopy varies for different
subsets of high-risk patients, and these patients should consult
with their physicians as to a preferred testing schedule (Source:
"Ounce of Prevention," n. pag.).
