It is important to undergo a colonoscopy to test for colorectal cancer. But how often you should get a colonoscopy depends on several different factors.
Current guidelines recommend that people at average risk for colorectal cancer have their first colonoscopy at age 45. If no polyps are found, he won’t need another colonoscopy for another 10 years. However, in some situations, more frequent colonoscopies may be necessary.
I spoke to a gastroenterologist Mazen Alassadi, Marylandyou can find out more.
More frequent colonoscopies recommended for high-risk groups
People at high risk should have a colonoscopy more often than every 10 years. This is because early detection of the disease increases the chance of successful treatment.
“If you have a family history of colon cancer, not only should you get your first colonoscopy sooner, but we recommend getting a colonoscopy every five years,” says Alasadi. says Mr. “However, if a polyp is found during a colonoscopy, you may not have to wait five years for your next colonoscopy.”
Colonoscopies may be done more often if you have certain medical conditions.
“If you have had colon cancer, a colonoscopy is required one year after you have surgery to treat the cancer,” Alassadi says. “After that, every three years.”
At that point, you are under observation, not screening.
“Screening is a test that is performed every 10 years when a colonoscopy is performed and no polyps are found,” Alassadi explains. “If you’ve had cancer before or polyps are found, you’ll be put under surveillance.”
People with Lynch syndrome should have a colonoscopy every 1 to 2 years. Patients with pancolitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease in which the entire colon becomes inflamed, also need more frequent colonoscopies. Eight years after being diagnosed with pancolitis, he should start having colonoscopies every 1 to 2 years.
The results of your colonoscopy will determine when your next appointment will be.
In addition to following recommended guidelines for colorectal cancer screening, it is important to discuss your colonoscopy results with your doctor to determine when you should have your next test.
“Let’s say you’re at average risk for colorectal cancer and your first colonoscopy finds a polyp,” Alassadi says. “So? Well, it depends on the number of polyps found, the size of the polyps, the tissue structure, and how well the colon is prepared for surgery.”
There is a big difference between removing 2-3 small polyps and removing 10 10-15 mm polyps. This is where histology comes into play.
The removed polyp is sent to a pathologist to determine the type of polyp.
“The results may show that they are benign hyperplastic polyps. If I find three or four, I usually tell the patient to have another colonoscopy in 10 years. I say that,” says Alassadi. “If the pathology report shows that one large polyp is a ductulovillous adenoma with high-grade dysplasia, that means it has the potential to become cancerous, so I would tell the patient to repeat the colon again sooner. I would like you to come in for an endoscopy.”
In some cases, sessile polyps may be removed. Polyps that are attached to the wall of the colon. If you have these polyps, you may need your next colonoscopy sooner.
Colon preparation is important
Preparation for a colonoscopy is very important. The colon must be completely free of stool so that the doctor can examine it during the procedure.
It is necessary to drink special preparation liquids and strictly adhere to a diet of only clear liquids for 24 hours before the procedure. This allows your doctor to see everything during a colonoscopy.
Although it may not be fun, completing a proper preparation of the colon increases the chances that your doctor will find polyps and detect colorectal cancer early.
“If the preparation was not done properly and there is still a large amount of stool left, we mark the patient’s colonoscopy report as inadequately prepared,” Alassadi says. “In such cases, we may ask the patient to come early.”
No matter when your next colonoscopy is scheduled, it’s important to see your doctor if you start showing symptoms of colorectal cancer.
“I recommend getting a colonoscopy any time you experience symptoms,” Alassadi says. “No need to wait years for your next appointment.”
Request an appointment online with MD Anderson Or call 1-877-632-6789.