age african american women to get a colonoscopy
Screening for colon cancer for an average risk individual includes a colonoscopy every 10 years or a sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, in addition to a hemacult (blood in the stool) test every year. On the other hand, an individual at high risk will need a colonoscopy every 3-5 years. A person at high risk from any ethnic background needs to be screened 10 years earlier than when their first-degree relative was diagnosed. For example, if your relative was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 50, you need to start screening at the age of 40. Colon cancer screening partially depends on your family history and race. In general, a healthy person with average risk should start screening for colon cancer at the age of 50. In addition to age and family medical history, risk factors for colon cancer include being African-American; having an inflammatory intestinal condition, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease; eating a high-fat diet; being inactive; obesity; smoking; heavy alcohol use; and having diabetes. In many cases, the exact cause of colon cancer can't be identified. Age is the most significant factor that can increase a person's risk for developing the disease. About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50. Yet, a variety of hereditary and environmental factors also can increase a person's risk. When people get colon cancer in their 30s or 40s, hereditary factors are more likely to be the cause. African American patients should begin screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) at age 45 years rather than age 50, according to recommendations from the American College of Gastroenterology (Am J Gastroenterol. 2009;104:739-750). This recommendation includes both males and females. However, if you are an African-American, you should start screening for colon cancer starting at the age of 45. This is the 2011 CDC guidelines for colon cancer screening. Environmental factors, changes in diet and lifestyle, and the national trend toward obesity may be contributing to this rise. Also, younger-onset colon cancer appears to affect African-Americans more often than other groups. The most common symptoms of colon cancer are rectal bleeding and lower abdominal cramping. Other telltale symptoms may include a change in stool consistency, constipation, diarrhea or weight loss. Men and women should have a colonoscopy at age 50. African American men and women should have their first screening at age 45. Individuals with a history of a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) or a personal history of colorectal cancer should be screened using a different schedule. A Dr. Ovunc Bardakcioglu, MD, Colorectal Surgery, answered on behalf of Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center. You should get your first colonscopy at age 50, says Ovunc Bardakcioglu, MD, a colon and rectal surgeon at Sunrise Hospital. In this video, he explains that colon cancer may develop between the ages of 50 and 60, which is why screening is vital.
45