colonoscopy How often should I have one?

Answer 1

Most experts, including the American Gastroenterological Association, recommend screening for people without risk factors for colorectal cancer beginning at age 50. Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) combined with flexible sigmoidoscopy testing often is recommended, but colonoscopy or double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) may be used. If results from FOBT, DCBE, or sigmoidoscopy are abnormal, a follow-up colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy combined with DCBE is recommended.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends that people at increased risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 40. Depending on your risk level, screening may include FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, or colonoscopy. If you are at increased risk of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about which test is best for you and how often you should undergo screening.

Answer 2

ok here's the thing; if there are absolutely no risk factors for colorectal cancer; (no family history of cancer or polyps, no personal history of polyps, no bleeding per rectum, no anemia, no other bowel signs or symptoms) you should have them 1 every 10 years starting at age 50; so you would have one when you turn 50; nothing is found and you are given a clean bill of health you can wait 10 years until your next one.. PENDING you do not develop any signs or symptoms. If there is a risk for colorectal cancer they may have it performed every 5 years. or sooner. It generally is up to the physicians.

Answer 3

Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure.It is indicated only in certain conditions like haematochezia,ulcerative colitis,Crohn's disease,etc.Hence if done once and found out to be normal it need not be repeated unless there is a change in bowel habit.

Answer 4

General rule is 5 years for people over 50,but if some one has strong family history of ca of colone;such as parents brother or sisters died or have ca of colon,or you have symptoms of blood in stool,change of bowel habits;alternate of lose bowel with constipation or previous colonscopy show major abnormalities then will be much shorter for colonscopy;from 1 year to every 6 months,up to your physician to decide.

Answer 5

My doctor says every 5 years after 50 years of age.

Answer 6

once you hit the big 5-0 , that's 50...you should have one every year or at least every other year.
now, if you have family history of colon cancer, then start getting them earlier and you can set up a time line with your doctor.
don't forget to get a referral to a specialist if your insurance needs that, esp if you are below the "norm" in age. some ins companies won't cover you unless you are referred by a dr.

take car.e