age for colonoscopy
If the exam is normal, a colonoscopy should be repeated every 10 years up to the age of 75. If the test detects precancerous polyps, the physician will recommend that colonoscopies be repeated more frequently. The American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology don't specify an upper age limit beyond which colon cancer screening is no longer recommended. The USPSTF and ACP recommend that colon cancer screening be done using one or a combination of screening strategies: 1  Colonoscopy. 2  Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) 3  Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) 4  Stool DNA testing. 5  Sigmoidoscopy. 6  Computed tomography colonography (virtual colonoscopy) I had my first colonoscopy at age 23 where they found a benign polyp. Since then, I have had 4 more colonoscopies (1 every 5 years) that were normal with no polyps. I am now 53 and am wondering that since I have had no polyps for 30 years, do I still need to go in every 5 years or can I switch to going in every 10 years? People older than age 75 who have been getting regular colon cancer screening since age 50 and who have had consistently negative screenings — no polyps (adenomas) or colon cancer — and are not at an increased risk of colon cancer because of family history may not need to continue getting routine screening. That's according to colon cancer screening guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American College of Physicians (ACP).The upper age limit was ... That's according to colon cancer screening guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American College of Physicians (ACP). The upper age limit was set after studies determined that the net benefit of screening after age 75 was small. However, the USPSTF guidelines do recommend colon cancer surveillance for people older than age 75 who have an increased risk of colon cancer, such as family history, a previously diagnosed colon cancer or adenomatous polyps. “Deaths from colorectal cancer have been going down over the past 10 years, and probably 50 percent of that reduction is due to screening.”. Guidelines say that at age 50, everyone should consider having a screening test for colon cancer. (About 90 percent of new cases and 95 percent of colon cancer deaths occur after age 50.) Screening are a test for blood in the stool, repeated annually; an exam with a thin, flexible tube called a sigmoidoscope every five years; or a colonoscopy every 10 years. 1 I was diagnosed at age 44 – accidentally through a chest x-ray when it was thought I could have pneumonia. My colon cancer had already metastasized (spread) to my lung. 2  My biggest hang up about getting one is the prep for it. I’ve heard the product you have to drink and the amount is awful (tasting and a lot)! References. 1  U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for colorectal cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. 2  Knudsen AB, et al. Estimation of benefits, burden, and harms of colorectal cancer screening strategies modeling study for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. 3  Doubeni EP. Roughly 40 percent of Americans for whom they are recommended are not getting colonoscopies. Yet colonoscopy is one of the most effective of all cancer prevention methods. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 142,820 diagnoses of colorectal cancer in 2013 and 50,830 people will die of the disease. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. 1  The Last Diet You'll Ever Need. 2  4 Simple Steps to a Joy-Filled Life. 3  Pain Management Strategies from Mayo Clinic. 4  Stop Osteoporosis in its Tracks. 5  Protect and Preserve Your Vision.
A colonoscopy should be started at the age of 50 and then, should be done every 10 years up to the age of 75.