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There's no upper age limit for colon cancer screening. But most medical organizations in the United States agree that the benefits of screening decline after age 75 for most people and there's little evidence to support continuing screening after age 85. Discuss colon cancer screening with your health care provider.
Colonoscopy takes about 30 to 60 minutes and screening is generally repeated every 10 years if no abnormalities are found and you don't have an increased risk of colon cancer. The pros: Colonoscopy is one of the most sensitive tests currently available for colon cancer screening. The doctor can view your entire colon and rectum.
Symptoms of colon cancer can include: A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation. Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. Ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas or pain. A feeling that the bowel doesn't empty all the way during a bowel movement. Weakness or tiredness.
Screen for colon cancer. If you're age 45 or older and at average risk of colon cancer — you have no colon cancer risk factors other than age — your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years. If you have other risk factors, your doctor may recommend a screen sooner. Colonoscopy is one of a few options for colon cancer screening.
MAC-20437729. Medical Professionals. ACS announces new guideline for colorectal cancer screening for adults at average risk. Donate. In an announcement published in late May, the American Cancer Society released a new guideline recommending that regular screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 45 for adults at average risk.
During a colonoscopy, the healthcare professional puts a colonoscope into the rectum to check the entire colon. Tests and procedures used for colon cancer diagnosis include: Using a scope to examine the inside of the colon. Colonoscopy uses a long, flexible and slender tube attached to a video camera and monitor to view the whole colon and rectum.
Factors that might cause colon polyps or cancer include: Age. Most people with colon polyps are 50 or older. Having inflammatory intestinal conditions. Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease of the colon increase your overall risk of colon cancer, although the polyps themselves are not a significant threat. Family history.
"Generally speaking, we encourage all adults over the age of 50 – and even older adults who have at least 10 years of very high-quality life expectancy – to participate in screening," Dr. Kisiel says. He says you might be surprised how often colonoscopies uncover polyps lurking in your colon. "Precancerous polyps are extremely common," he says.
A fecal occult blood test is one option for colon cancer screening in people who don't have any symptoms. Occult blood in the stool may be a sign of cancer or polyps in the colon or rectum. Polyps are growths of cells that aren't cancers but could become cancers. Not all cancers or polyps bleed. If a fecal occult blood test finds blood, more ...
Mayo Clinic doctors are highly respected for their expertise in diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer. Mayo Clinic doctors care for more than 4,000 people with colon cancer each year. Nationally recognized expertise. Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center meets the strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center.