No one loves getting a colonoscopy. But when it comes to preventing colorectal cancer, it’s the most powerful tool we have when it comes to preventing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer often starts silently, as small polyps that can grow over time without causing symptoms. Left alone, some of these polyps can turn into cancer.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. However, it’s also one of the most preventable types of cancer when caught early through routine screening. Screening helps:
A colonoscopy is the most complete screening test available. It’s often referred to as “the gold standard.” It allows your doctor to see the entire colon and remove polyps, preventing cancer from developing. Fortunately, for many people, colonoscopy frequency is every 10 years.
For most people at average risk, the recommended colonoscopy frequency is once every 10 years, starting at age 45. That’s because colon polyps usually grow slowly, and a decade is generally a safe interval for catching new ones before they become a problem.
However, your personal colonoscopy schedule may be shorter if:
In those cases, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy frequency of every 3 to 5 years, or even more often, depending on your risk.
Colorectal cancer rates are rising in younger adults. In response, guidelines now recommend beginning at 45 to catch more cancers early and prevent them altogether.
A colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look inside your entire colon and rectum. They do this using a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end.
Before the test, you’ll need to do a bowel prep, which involves drinking a special solution that cleans out your colon so the doctor can see clearly. It usually starts the day before and may involve a clear liquid diet and staying close to a bathroom.
On the day of the test, you’ll get sedation to help you relax or fall asleep.
The doctor gently inserts the scope through your rectum and guides it through your colon to check for polyps, growths, or anything unusual. If a polyp is found, it can often be removed right away and sent for testing.
The whole procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll recover briefly afterward and can usually go home the same day.
A colonoscopy can help protect your health by finding and removing polyps before they become more serious. If you’re 45 or older and at average risk, it’s time to talk to your doctor about getting screened.
But remember, even if you’re at average risk today, that could change. Ask your family members if they’ve had colon cancer or polyps, and update your doctor as needed. Your colonoscopy frequency might change depending on that information. And the earlier colorectal cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat.
Don’t put off your colonoscopy any longer – schedule an appointment today!
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