Age 45 or Older? Screen for Colorectal Cancer With TRICARE 

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women in the United States—and it’s on the rise among  people under age 50, according to the National Cancer Institute. 

In 2022, colorectal cancer screening guidelines changed. Now, anyone at average risk for colorectal cancer should start regular  screenings at age 45. 

Getting screened is easy, and TRICARE covers several options for colorectal cancer exams. Here’s what to know about these  routine screenings. 

Know your risk level 

The recommendation to start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45 applies to anyone at average risk for colorectal cancer.

If  you’re at increased risk, you may need to start screenings before you turn 45. You may be at increased risk if you have: 

• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis 
• Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Certain genetic syndromes related to colorectal cancer 

If you believe you’re at increased risk for colorectal cancer, ask your provider when to start getting screened and which exams  are right for you. 

Types of screenings 

There are a few different types of colorectal cancer exams. These include colonoscopies and stool tests. You can even take  some stool tests at home, by using a kit to collect a stool sample and sending it back to a lab. 

Here are some of the common tests TRICARE covers for people at average risk, starting at age 45: 

• Fecal occult blood testing: covered once every 12 months 
• Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT): covered once every 12 months 
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: covered once every 5 years 
• CT colonoscopies: covered once every 5 years 
• Conventional colonoscopies: covered once every 10 years 

If your test result is positive or abnormal on some tests (like FIT or a CT colonoscopy), you may need to get a conventional  colonoscopy to be sure of your results. Not sure which exam is right for you?

Ask your provider at your next visit or during  a Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Exam. 

Screening costs 

Your screening costs will depend on the type of screening you get and if it occurs at a preventive care visit or specialty care  outpatient visit.

Check out the TRICARE Compare Cost Tool to find out your costs for these visits. 

Know the signs and symptoms 

Colorectal cancer screenings are meant to catch cancer before you start showing signs or symptoms.

If you’re having any of  these symptoms of colorectal cancer, see your provider right away: 

• Change in bowel habits 
• Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away 
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool 

With many options, getting screened for colorectal cancer is easier than ever. If you’re 45 or older, don’t delay your regular  exam.

Learn more about other routine cancer screenings you should get based on your age, sex, and risk factors.

*For more tips from TRICARE/DHA, visit their M:M Expert Author Page.