Once you reach a certain age, it is important to start visiting the doctor regularly for tests. As your body gets older, the risk of you contracting certain illnesses or conditions goes up. This means it is more important for you to get screenings regularly. But is there an age range for colon cancer screening?
Age Range for Colon Cancer Screening
One of the most important things you should be consistently tested for is colon cancer. This screening is typically done through a colonoscopy, which tests the inside of your colon for anything unusual. The age range for colon cancer screening usually persists throughout the later decades of your life. Let’s take a look at how often you need to set a colonoscopy appointment with your gastroenterology clinic in Los Angeles.
About Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a big risk among older populations of adults, especially those over the age of 50. This cancer forms from polyps inside of the colon, which can be removed during a screening and tested for cancer.
Also known as colorectal cancer, this type of cancer can be easy to detect as long as regular screenings are made. It is important to track the growth of polyps to prevent the risk of them becoming cancerous.
While screening is recommended every 5 or 10 years, you may need to visit the doctor’s office more regularly if you have another bowel disease such as IBS or Chron’s disease. You also must schedule more frequent tests if a close family member has dealt with an inflammatory bowel issue or colon cancer in the past.
Average Age Range
It is recommended to schedule regular colon cancer screenings starting at the age of 50. Most people should continue getting colonoscopies until they reach age 75, at which time it is essential to check with a doctor whether continued screenings are necessary.
Other factors play a part in determining the best age range for colon cancer screenings. Prior cancer, family history, or the presence of polyps in the intestines may require you to get more frequent colonoscopies for a longer period.
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the recommended age range for colon cancer screening is 50-75, although some receive screenings until the age of 85.
Why Colonoscopy?
Why do we recommend you get a colonoscopy so often? This is a vital test that can screen your intestines for many harmful substances. Your doctor might tell you to get a colonoscopy to:
- Test for colon cancer. Since the risk of colon cancer starts at 50, your doctor will want to check every 5-10 years to make sure cancer has not developed.
- Identify internal symptoms. If you are dealing with constant bleeding, rectal pain, or abdominal discomfort, a colonoscopy may be necessary to identify internal causes.
- Finding polyps. Polyps that form in your intestine might be indicative of colon cancer, and you should have them removed right away. A follow-up procedure will be necessary and a second colonoscopy will check to see if any additional polyps still exist.
If you have a history of polyps, you might start the colon cancer screening process earlier than age 50. It is very important to stay in communication with your gastroenterologist about what’s best for you.
Get the Best Bowel Care Today
If you are over 50, you shouldn’t wait to schedule your next colon cancer screening. It is important for your health and well-being that you stay on top of your medical needs. A colonoscopy can identify issues inside of the colon, which will allow our doctors to act quickly to keep you on track to good health.
Learn more about our colonoscopy examsin Los Angeles and form a plan for long-term screening and care. Get in touch with our experts today and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience!
