Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is the second commonest cancer in Hong Kong and the incidence is still rising. Colorectal cancer screening is recommended to start at age of 50 for average risk people. People with family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease may need to start earlier than 50.

The current screening tools include the following methods.

1. Colonoscopy (10 yearly)
2. Fecal occult blood test (yearly) – If blood is detected by the test, one should receive colonoscopy.
3. Sigmoidoscopy (5 yearly) – Only the right-sided of the colon and rectum can be examined.
4. CT colonosgraphy (5 yearly) – If polyp or tumor is found, one should receive colonoscopy.
5. Barium enema (5 yearly) – If polyp or tumor is found, one should receive colonoscopy.