Colorectal cancer screening
Average-risk eligibility, tests, intervals, and follow-up reminders.
Last reviewed January 4, 2026
- Who to screen
- Asymptomatic adults ages 50-74 at average risk. Do not use this pathway for patients with symptoms, personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomas, inflammatory bowel disease, or first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer.
- Test and interval
- FIT or gFOBT every 2 years, or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years. The Task Force does not recommend colonoscopy for routine screening.
- Stopping
- Routine screening is not recommended after age 75.
- Follow-up
- Positive stool tests require diagnostic colonoscopy and active recall tracking. Use provincial program workflows.
References
Something out of date or unclear? Suggest an update. Leave out any patient details.