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Screening Guidelines
When and how often to get screened
Screening means checking for cancer or polyps before you have any symptoms. In Canada, screening is recommended starting at age 50 for people at average risk.
BC Colon Screening Program
- BC recommends a stool test (FIT test) every 2 years starting at age 50
- If your FIT test is positive, you will be sent for a colonoscopy
- If you have higher risk factors, your doctor may start screening earlier
- A colonoscopy ordered by a doctor is fully covered by MSP — there is no cost to you
You may need earlier or more frequent screening if you have
- A parent, brother, sister, or child who had colon cancer or advanced polyps
- A personal history of polyps or colon cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Certain genetic conditions (Lynch syndrome, FAP)
- Symptoms like blood in your stool, weight loss you can't explain, or changes in bowel habits
How often do you need a colonoscopy?
| Finding | Next Colonoscopy |
|---|---|
| Normal result (no polyps) | Every 10 years |
| 1-2 small polyps | Every 5-10 years |
| 3-10 polyps or advanced polyps | Every 3 years |
| More than 10 polyps | Within 1 year |
| Family history of colon cancer | Starting at age 40 or 10 years before the youngest family member who had it |