Spotting colon cancer early with a colonoscopy can improve your outlook and, in some cases, save your life. This article discusses the signs that you should get a colonoscopy.
When You Should Get a Colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer (cancer affecting the colon and rectum) is the third most common cancer in the United States. In 2021, an estimated 104,270 new cases of colon cancer were diagnosed.
In recent years, there’s been a surge of new colon cancer cases in younger adults. Since the 1990s, the rate of colorectal cancer has more than doubled in people younger than 50. For these reasons, it’s important to follow colon cancer screening guidelines.
When you first get a colonoscopy and how often you need follow-up tests will depend on your age and personal risk factors. Your healthcare provider might also recommend the test if you have certain gastrointestinal symptoms.
Age
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that adults between the ages of 45 and 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. The task force recommends that adults between ages 76 and 85 should ask their healthcare providers if they should undergo screening.
The USPSTF guidelines state that most people with an average risk for colorectal cancer should begin screening after they turn 45 years of age.
You may be at an increased risk for colon cancer if you have:
A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum) A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s disease A genetic syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
In these cases, your healthcare provider might recommend that you undergo screening at an earlier age and more often than average.
Family History
When developing a colon cancer screening plan, your family history is an essential factor to consider. About 1 in every 4 people with colorectal cancer has a family history of the cancer.
Colonoscopies Stool tests Flexible sigmoidoscopy CT (computed tomography) colonography
Your provider can help you determine which method is most suitable for your situation.
Those with a family history of cancer are typically screened either at age 40 or 10 years before the youngest case in their immediate family (whichever comes first).
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Your provider may recommend that you have a colonoscopy if you develop signs or symptoms of colon cancer, which may include:
Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool Changes in the appearance of stool Abdominal pain or cramping Weakness or fatigue Unexplained weight loss
Potential Causes of Digestive Issues
Digestive symptoms don’t usually mean cancer. Many of the symptoms of colon cancer are also problems associated with other, common medical conditions.
Infection or Illness
Infections that attack your body can cause symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or pain in the abdomen or rectum.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside the rectum or outside the anus. They can cause pain, itching, and rectal bleeding.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
IBD include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These two conditions cause chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. They can trigger symptoms that mimic those of colon cancer, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, bloody stools, weight loss, and fatigue.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system. If you have IBS, you might experience diarrhea, constipation, gas, or bloating. However, IBS doesn’t damage your digestive tract or put you at risk for colon cancer.
What to Discuss With Your Healthcare Provider
If your healthcare provider suspects you have colon cancer, you may undergo tests or different types of exams.
Medical History
It’s important to let your healthcare provider know of your entire medical history, especially if you’ve ever had cancer before.
Certain treatments, such as radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area, may put you at an increased risk for colon cancer.
Laboratory Tests
A complete blood count (CBC), liver enzyme test, or a tumor marker blood test may help your provider determine if you have colon cancer.
Imaging Tests
Your healthcare provider might order certain imaging tests to identify colon cancer or learn more about a suspicious area. These may include:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan Computed tomography (CT) scan Positron emissions tomography (PET) scan Chest X-ray Ultrasound Angiography (examines blood vessels for hemorrhage)
Colonoscopy Alternatives
Some tests may serve as alternatives to a colonoscopy. These include:
Computed tomography (CT) colonography: This screening method, known as a “virtual colonoscopy,” is a special type of X-ray used to examine the colon. It may be an option for some people who can’t tolerate the anesthesia needed for a standard colonoscopy. A skilled radiologist is required to interpret the results of this test. Sigmoidoscopy: With a sigmoidoscopy, a flexible, lighted tube is inserted into the rectum and only the lower part of the colon to check for cancer and other abnormalities. Stool DNA tests: These analyze the DNA in an individual’s stool sample to identify cancer. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): These look for blood in a person’s stool. Double-contrast barium enema (DCBE): With this test, a person uses an enema containing barium to coat the colon and rectum. This allows clinicians to see the colon and rectum more clearly in a series of X-rays that are then taken.
You should always talk to your healthcare provider when deciding on the best screening technique.
Summary
A colonoscopy is a test that provides a view of the colon. In addition to diagnosing many medical conditions, this procedure can help detect colon cancer or precancerous lesions.
Screening time and frequency will depend on your age, your personal medical history, and your family’s medical history. Your healthcare provider might also recommend a colonoscopy if you are experiencing certain symptoms of colon cancer, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, or other issues.
A Word From Verywell
A colonoscopy can be a lifesaving screening tool. Don’t wait to have this test if you’re due for it or your healthcare provider recommends the procedure. Some people avoid having a colonoscopy out of embarrassment. However, delaying screening can increase the odds that potential cancer will develop and spread. Talk to your provider if you have any concerns about the procedure.
