Colonoscopy when is it needed

But a colon screening is usually painless. The preparation for the test can be unpleasant, but that is over pretty quickly. Compared with dealing with cancer, the process is pretty simple and tolerable. As with many cancers, when found early colorectal cancer is treatable and can often be cured.

During a colonoscopy, pre-cancerous polyps can be found and removed, preventing the disease from developing. We have a board-certified team of Gastroenterologists across the Guthrie system who can perform a colonoscopy. June 16, Colorectal cancer affects both men and women, but you might be asking why I need a colonoscopy and when should I schedule it. Your doctor provides instructions. These guidelines are complex and are best looked at along with your health care provider.

Screening recommendations for these people depend on who in the family had cancer and how old they were when it was diagnosed.

Some people with a family history will be able to follow the recommendations for average risk adults, but others might need to get a colonoscopy and not any other type of test more often, and possibly starting before age Most of these people will need to get a colonoscopy again after 3 years, but some people might need to get one earlier or later than 3 years, depending on the type, size, and number of polyps.

Most of these people will need to start having colonoscopies regularly about one year after surgery to remove the cancer. Other procedures like MRI or proctoscopy with ultrasound might also be recommended for some people with rectal cancer, depending on the type of surgery they had.

Most of these people will need to start having colorectal screening colonoscopy or stool based testing at an earlier age depending on how old they were when they got the radiation. Screening often begins 5 years after the radiation was given or at age 30, whichever comes last.

A colonoscopy uses a flexible, lighted tube to view the colon and rectum. During the exam, doctors can spot and remove small growths, called polyps.

They are common and usually harmless. But some polyps, called adenomas, may turn into cancer. Removing these polyps can prevent cancer from developing. People with heart and respiratory problems should be evaluated before colonoscopy.

For people with these conditions, the procedure should be done in the right facility, with careful monitoring, because there can be serious complications. The benefits of colonoscopy are usually worth the risk. Discuss both the benefits and risks with your doctor.