Knowing what age to get colonoscopy procedures can significantly impact your health, especially when it comes to preventing and detecting colon cancer early. Colonoscopies are a crucial part of colorectal cancer screening, which helps identify precancerous polyps and other abnormalities in the colon and rectum. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes and overall survival rates.
This article will discuss the guidelines on when to start colonoscopy and the frequency of getting it done. You’ll also learn how alternative therapies like biomagnetic therapy can help prevent and manage colon diseases.
Screening Guidelines for Colonoscopy
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. Regular screening is vital because it helps catch the disease early when treatment is most effective. The American Cancer Society recommends several types of colorectal cancer screening tests, but colonoscopy is often considered the gold standard.
Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines:
- Colonoscopy: This is a comprehensive screening test that allows doctors to view the entire colon and rectum. It’s recommended every 10 years for individuals at average risk, starting at age 50.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This test examines the lower part of the colon and rectum. It’s usually recommended every five years.
- CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): This is a non-invasive imaging test recommended every 5 years.
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) and Stool DNA Test: These tests check for blood in the stool or genetic markers for cancer and precancerous polyps. They are recommended annually or every three years, respectively.
Recommended Age to Start Screening
When do you get a colonoscopy screening?
The recommended age to start colonoscopy screenings is typically 50 for individuals at average risk. However, for those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, earlier screening at the age of 35 may be necessary. Early detection through regular screening can prevent the progression of colorectal cancer, significantly improving survival rates.
According to studies, colonoscopy is proven to be safe and effective for elderly patients and is a great help in finding complications for those who are 85 years of age and older.
For a more effective screening, you should also follow the right ways to prep for a colonoscopy.
Factors Affecting Screening Recommendations
You might be asking, “How often should I have colonoscopy screenings?”
Well, several factors can influence when you should begin colorectal cancer screening and how often you should have a colonoscopy as your clinical trial. These factors include family history, personal health, and the presence of certain conditions.
Family History of Colon Cancer
If you have a family history of colon cancer or rectal cancer, particularly in a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child), you may need to start screening earlier, typically at age 35, or 10 years younger than the age at which your relative was diagnosed. This proactive approach helps catch any abnormalities early before they develop into cancer.
If you think you are showing some symptoms, be sure that you know the differences between rectal cancer vs. colon cancer.
Personal Health Factors
Certain health conditions can significantly increase your risk of developing colon cancer, necessitating more frequent screenings. Here are some key personal health factors that affect screening recommendations:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which cause chronic inflammation of the colon, increasing the risk of colon cancer.
- Inherited Syndromes: Conditions such as Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Lynch Syndrome significantly elevate the risk of colon cancer and require earlier and more frequent screenings.
- Previous Cancer Diagnosis: Individuals who have had colorectal cancer before are at a higher risk for recurrence and may need more frequent colonoscopies.
- Colorectal Polyps: The presence of adenomatous polyps in the past increases the risk of colon cancer. Regular monitoring and removal of new colorectal polyps through colonoscopy are necessary to prevent cancer development.
- Radiation to the Abdomen or Pelvic Area: Previous radiation therapy for other cancers can increase the risk of developing new cancers in the colon or rectum, necessitating more vigilant screening.
Importance of Early Detection
Early colorectal screening has numerous benefits. Detecting cancer early means it’s likely confined to the colon or rectum and hasn’t spread, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Early detection also allows for the removal of precancerous polyps, preventing cancer altogether.
By catching potential issues early, patients can avoid the more severe stages of the disease and the extensive treatments that accompany them. This proactive approach not only improves survival rates but also enhances the quality of life for those at risk.
Moreover, early screening reduces the overall cost of cancer treatment. Treating cancer such as colon and rectal cancer at an advanced stage is often more complex and expensive compared to addressing it in its early stages. Regular screenings can lead to early interventions that are less invasive and less costly, alleviating the financial burden on patients and healthcare systems alike.
If you are still uncomfortable with the thought of having a screening done, here’s what to expect after a colonoscopy.
Risks of Delaying Screening
Delaying colorectal cancer screening can lead to late-stage diagnosis when the cancer is more difficult to treat, and the survival rates are lower. Ignoring symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained abdominal pain can result in advanced cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Advanced colorectal cancer that already spread to your body and may even cause lung cancer, often requires more aggressive treatments. They can be physically demanding and emotionally draining.
Alternative and Holistic Approaches to Support Colon Cancer Treatment
At Immunity Therapy Center, we offer a range of alternative and holistic therapies to support individuals after a cancer diagnosis. These therapies focus on enhancing the body’s natural ability to fight cancer and improving overall well-being.
Our approach includes personalized treatment plans that may involve ozone therapy, hyperthermia, enzyme therapy, and immune-enhancing treatments. These methods aim to strengthen the body’s defenses and support conventional treatments, offering a comprehensive approach to cancer care.
Written By: Dr. Adolfo Carrillo
Dr. Adolfo Carrillo is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Carrillo has been collaborating with Dr. Bautista for over 5 years as a treating physician at the Immunity the Immunity Therapy Center. Dr. Carrillo is a charismatic Doctor whose knowledge and commitment to patient care and bringing healing to patients is a valuable asset to our center.
Sources:
- American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening-tests-used.html
- Healthline. Deciding How Often You Need a Colonoscopy https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-have-a-colonoscopy
- National Library of Medicine. Colonoscopy in Patients Aged 85 Years or Older: An Observational Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6752140/
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.