How Often Do You Need a Colonoscopy?
One of the most common questions about colorectal cancer screening is simple: How often do you actually need a colonoscopy?
For many adults at average risk, a screening colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years when the previous colonoscopy is normal.
But that 10-year interval doesn't apply to everyone. Your age, previous colonoscopy results, family history, personal history of polyps, and other risk factors can all affect when your doctor recommends your next procedure.
How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
For adults at average risk of colorectal cancer, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lists colonoscopy every 10 years as one recommended colorectal cancer screening strategy.
Routine colorectal cancer screening generally begins at age 45.
However, colonoscopy isn't the only screening option. Depending on your individual circumstances, your physician may discuss stool-based tests, CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or other recommended screening approaches.
When Might You Need a Colonoscopy More Often?
Your physician may recommend a different schedule if you have an increased risk of colorectal cancer or abnormalities are identified during a previous procedure.
Factors that can affect your screening or surveillance schedule include:
Previous colon polyps
Previous colorectal cancer
Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
Inflammatory bowel disease
Certain hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes
Findings from your most recent colonoscopy
If a polyp was removed during your previous procedure, don't automatically assume your next colonoscopy will be in 10 years. Follow the interval recommended by your gastroenterologist.
What If Your Last Colonoscopy Was Normal?
For an average-risk adult undergoing screening, a normal colonoscopy generally means another screening colonoscopy is not needed for 10 years.
That's one advantage of colonoscopy compared with some other colorectal cancer screening methods, which need to be repeated more frequently.
Your physician may still recommend a different schedule based on your individual medical or family history.
Does Family History Change How Often You Need a Colonoscopy?
It can.
Having a family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps may increase your risk. Depending on the specific family history, your physician may recommend beginning screening earlier or undergoing testing more frequently.
Tell your gastroenterologist which relatives have had colorectal cancer or significant colon polyps and, if possible, the age at which they were diagnosed.
Can You Need a Colonoscopy Before You're Due for Screening?
Yes.
Screening intervals apply to people without symptoms. A colonoscopy may also be performed to investigate a medical problem.
Your physician may recommend a diagnostic colonoscopy regardless of when your last screening occurred if you develop symptoms or other findings that warrant evaluation.
What About Colonoscopy After Age 75?
For adults ages 76 through 85, the decision to continue colorectal cancer screening is more individualized.
The USPSTF recommends considering factors including overall health, previous screening history, and patient preferences.
Your physician can help determine whether continued screening is appropriate for you.
Don't Guess When Your Next Colonoscopy Is Due
The commonly quoted answer of "every 10 years" is accurate for many average-risk patients with a normal screening colonoscopy—but it isn't a universal rule.
The safest approach is to follow the interval recommended after your most recent procedure.
Schedule a Colonoscopy in Smithtown, NY
If you're due for colorectal cancer screening or your gastroenterologist has recommended another colonoscopy, Smithtown Ambulatory Surgical Center provides outpatient colonoscopy procedures in Smithtown, New York.
Contact Smithtown ASC to learn more about scheduling your procedure and preparing for your colonoscopy.
This information is for general educational purposes. Your physician should determine your individual colorectal cancer screening and surveillance schedule.