Have Your Knowledge on Colonoscopy Screening and More

When a person doesn't have symptoms, a screening test is used to check for a disease. (Diagnostic tests are used when a person has symptoms to figure out the cause of the symptoms.)

Colorectal cancer almost often grows in the colon or rectum from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths). Precancerous polyps can be detected by screening tests, so that they can be removed before they develop into cancer. Colorectal cancer can also be identified early by colon cancer screening tests, when care works best.

Quick Details

You should be checked for colorectal cancer if you are 50 to 75 years old.

The U.S. Task Force on Preventive Care suggests colon cancer screening starting at age 50. Some groups suggest beginning sooner, at 45 years of age.

In individuals who are 50 or older, the vast majority of new colorectal cancer cases (about 90 percent) occur.

Millions of people do not get screened as recommended in the United States. They miss the opportunity to stop or detect colorectal cancer early, as treatment always leads to a cure.

Know your family health history if you think you might be at elevated risk for colorectal cancer and ask your doctor if you should start colonoscopy screening before age 50.

When am I expected to start getting screened?

Soon after turning 50, you can begin screening for colorectal cancer, and continue to get screened at regular intervals. You may, however, need to be checked earlier than 50, or more frequently than other individuals, if—

Colorectal cancer have happened to you or a close relative.

You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Presence of a genetic syndrome such as the external symbol of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or inherited colorectal cancer without polyposis (Lynch syndrome).

Risk Factors

Risk factors that can impact screening recommendations-Some conditions dramatically raise the risk of colorectal cancer for an individual. Doctors also suggest that individuals with these conditions begin screening for colorectal cancer earlier than individuals considered to be at average risk.

Family adenomatous polyposis (FAP) - FAP is a rare hereditary disease in which, starting in puberty, hundreds of polyps (or more) form develop throughout the colon. During their lifetime, almost all people with this disorder can develop colorectal cancer, and most of these cancers occur before 45 years of age.

Lynch syndrome - Another inherited disorder associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer is Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. It is significantly more prevalent than FAP, but it is still rare, accounting for less than 1 in 20 colorectal cancer cases. By the age of 65, approximately 70% of individuals with Lynch syndrome will develop colorectal cancer. At younger ages, cancer often appears to emerge. People with Lynch syndrome are also at risk of developing other forms of cancer, such as uterine, stomach, bowel, kidney, and ovarian cancer.

Individuals who have already had colorectal cancer have an increased chance of developing a new colorectal cancer with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. There is also an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer in people who have had adenomatous polyps before 60 years of age.

People with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis have an elevated chance of colorectal cancer.

Inflammatory bowel disease - level of elevated risk depends on the amount of inflamed colon and the length of the disease; the highest risk for colorectal cancer is associated with pancolitis (inflammation of the whole colon) and colitis for 10 years or longer. See us at Digestive Disease Specialists for colonoscopy screening in OKC. Our specialists will examine you and do the necessary treatments.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.