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Should Colonoscopy Be Done Every Year Despite Of Having Family History Of Colon Cancer?
Question: Hi. I have another question. I used to get regular colonoscopies since my 30's (I'm 46) and had one when I was about 37 or so where they removed 2 adenovirus nodules (if that's the right term?) - basically 2 pre cancer polyps. My grandfather died of colon and lung cancer and I have had decades of 'digestion' issues, often constipated despite a pretty healthy diet (although drinking regular green drinks with raw vegetables and probiotics etc makes me regular). I had a colonoscopy 4 or 5 years ago which showed nothing and in fact looked quite healthy. I've now moved country, and have 2 young kids under 5. Now that my little one will be weaned soon(ish), I should get another one but here I have no insurance and there is a heck of a waiting list (and can't afford to pay out of pocket). How urgent is the issue do you think? Many thanks
Brief answer.
Must get it done now
Detailed answer.....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern very much.
Colorectal cancers are the most common cancers in your country
Most cancers and polyps of colon do not produce any symptom unless they become fairly large. It is also called as silent disease because many people do not develop any symptom such as abdominal cramps or bleeding until the cancer is difficult to cure.
Protocol states that any people who have had any precancerous polyps found and removed should have colonoscopy every one to three years after first examination.
Moreover this protocol states that any person with a family history should get the colonoscopy done every year after he crosses the age of 40 years.
In nut shell, since your last colonoscopy done was 4-5 years ago, it becomes very important that you get it done as early possible.
I hope it helps, however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Must get it done now
Detailed answer.....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern very much.
Colorectal cancers are the most common cancers in your country
Most cancers and polyps of colon do not produce any symptom unless they become fairly large. It is also called as silent disease because many people do not develop any symptom such as abdominal cramps or bleeding until the cancer is difficult to cure.
Protocol states that any people who have had any precancerous polyps found and removed should have colonoscopy every one to three years after first examination.
Moreover this protocol states that any person with a family history should get the colonoscopy done every year after he crosses the age of 40 years.
In nut shell, since your last colonoscopy done was 4-5 years ago, it becomes very important that you get it done as early possible.
I hope it helps, however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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