How often do I need to be screened for colon cancer?
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The frequency of colon cancer screenings depends on your risk and the type of screening you receive. Tests for blood in the stool should be done annually, whereas virtual colonoscopies and barium dye/x-ray views only need to be done every five years. A traditional colonoscopy should be done every 10 years. If you are at a high risk for colon cancer, your doctor will likely recommend more frequent screenings.
The frequency of colon cancer screenings depends on your risk and the type of screening you receive. Tests for blood in the stool should be done annually, whereas virtual colonoscopies and barium dye/x-ray views only need to be done every five... More -
Individuals at average risk screened at age 50 with normal exam results will not have to return for another exam for ten years. Removal of an adenomatous (precancerous) polyp prevents that polyp from becoming cancerous, but the patient is still at risk to develop new polyps in the colon and will require more frequent follow-up exams. If the patient has a family history of colorectal cancer, the interval for their follow-up exam may be shortened. After a colonoscopy, the doctor will recommend when the patient should return for another colonoscopy.
People who have been diagnosed with polyps or colorectal cancer should notify their family members of the type of polyp or cancer found and their age at diagnosis. Both factors are important in assessing family members’ risk and will help their doctor determine when the family members should begin screening for colorectal cancer.
Individuals at average risk screened at age 50 with normal exam results will not have to return for another exam for ten years. Removal of an adenomatous (precancerous) polyp prevents that polyp from becoming cancerous, but the patient is... More -
Dr. Daniel Labow of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:Since finding and removing polyps actually prevents colon cancer, regular screenings are important. Beginning at age, everyone should be screened for colon cancer, usually once every 5-10 years. People at high risk should be screened more often and should discuss a screening schedule with their doctor.
Since finding and removing polyps actually prevents colon cancer, regular screenings are important. Beginning at age, everyone should be screened for colon cancer, usually once every 5-10 years. People at high risk should be screened more often and... More
