how often should i get colonoscopy?

Answer 1

For the general public, it's every 5-10 years at age 50 and beyond, but a yearly fecal occult blood smear test is advised. After my cancer surgery, I had a colonoscopy a year after, then in two years, then in another two years, then in five. So I don't think you need to get one more often than that if there are no problems.If you have any physical problems at all (diarhea, constipation, blood in stool, sharp pain, pencil thin stool,etc.) they need to be checked as soon as possible, and monitored. For people who have a family member who has had colon cancer, it is recommended you begin screening 10 years before the age of diagnoses.Early detection is of utmost importance!!! Often colon cancer has no symptoms, and by the time symptoms do appear,the cancer has already spread. If caught early enough, cancer can be beaten- I'm living proof of that!

Answer 2

Most doctors recommend colonoscopies every 5 years starting at age 50 for healthy adults. Some doctors are recommending starting at age 40. It is possible but rare to get colon cancer even in the 20's.

If you have gastroinstineal symptoms, known polyps or, a family history of colon cancer, a colonoscopy is recommended earlier and more often.

Answer 3

For most people, the answer is never, or maybe once when you reach the age of 50.

For people that have a family history of cancer, people that have colo-rectal problems, or people that have had colon cancer, the frequency depends on the risk. The American Cancer Society recommends every three years after cancer has been treated. After the age of 60, colonoscopy is recomended every 10 years.

Answer 4

Your initial colonoscopy should be at age 50 and every 5-10yrs. thereafter. However if any family members have a history of colon polyps or colon cancer your first screening colonoscopy should be done as early as possible, especially if it's a history of colon cancer.

Answer 5

How often you have one depends on your medical history. Eg: crohns disease, coeliac disease, bowel cancer - plus your age and eating habits. If there is no history of bowel problems in your immediate family then i think regular colonoscopy's are not recomended. If you think there is an issue, go to your doctor. Otherwise due to my family history i must look at one every 3 years.....

Answer 6

every 10 years....unless there was an unusual polyp found during one then it would be repeated sooner....gastro doctor told me that it usually takes 10 years for one to turn into cancer..unless you begin to have symptoms they would do another one sooner then

Answer 7

You don't really need to start getting then til you're mid-40's. at that point it's good to go every two years or so.

Answer 8

they say to get 1every year after 50yrs old.if you have some problems that you docter wants you to be checked for'than you;ll go that often...i heard;it saved lots of life though,,,,,,,,