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Colonoscopy, at what age is the best to start undergoing such a procedure? It depends on your medical and family history. This procedure is recommended for most individuals at age 50. However, you should consult with your doctor about the best age to start getting it. In some cases, you may have to undergo it even if you are still in your 20s.
Many of you may think that because you are in your 20s, 30s or 40s, you cannot develop colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, the cases of colorectal cancer in young adults are increasing.
For that reason, doctors are encouraging young people (younger than 50) to consult with their doctors if they experience some symptoms, like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel movements and constipation.
Regular screening is necessary for patients who have an average risk of this type of cancer. Screening tests will include a fecal occult blood test and a fecal immunochemical test.
These tests must be performed each year. Then, you may consider stool DNA tests per three years. Every five years, you must undergo CT colonography. Then, every 10 years, you must undergo colonoscopy.
At What Age to Undergo Colonoscopy if You Have the First-Degree Relative with Colon Cancer?
It is uncommon for people to undergo colonoscopy as young as 22 years old. However, it can be a smart move especially if you have a first-degree relative who had this type of cancer.
Doctors encouraged people with multiple relatives suffering from colon cancer to be screened at a younger age.
People with an inherited disorder that increases their risk of developing different types of cancer should also undergo such a procedure at a young age.
Furthermore, if you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, you should also get this procedure at a young age.
And if you have bleeding when you defecate, then you should consider this procedure, even if you are still young.
Is It Wrong to Undergo Colonoscopy at a Young Age?
The mortality rates for people with colon cancer in young patients under age 50 are increasing. In that case, there is nothing wrong if you undergo it at a young age. Your doctor will recommend it if it is necessary.
Colonoscopies dropped the colorectal rate. However, you cannot just undergo this procedure without any medical or genetic reasons.
Keep in mind that the entire procedure requires that you are sedated.
Bleeding may also arise when your doctor removes some polyps.
The risk of tearing is also present, even though it is low.
If you have symptoms, like rectal bleeding, then your doctor may recommend this procedure. However, a physical rectal examination may be appropriate for young adults.
This type of examination will help identify suspicious mass in the rectum. However, your doctor cannot determine if the mass is cancerous or not during a rectal examination.
On the other hand, if you have blood in your stool, then your doctor will send you for a colonoscopy.
Why Colorectal Cancer Rates Are Increasing?
No doctor can point the reason colorectal cancer numbers are increasing in young people. But obesity may play a huge role. A poor diet is another factor.
Having a healthy diet and lifestyle can lower your risk of developing this malignant disease. Your risk is also high if you have a sedentary lifestyle and you have high blood pressure.
If you consume a lot of red meat and suffer from vitamin D deficiency, then you are likely a candidate for this type of cancer.
What Are Signs That Would Prompt Doctors to Send Patients for a Colonoscopy Regardless of Age?
No matter how young you are, if you notice any of these symptoms, then you must consider talking to your doctor:
Unusual Feces
You should watch out for dark or black stools. They can indicate that there is bleeding from a tumor.
If your feces is thin or ribbon-like, then it can indicate that a tumor obstructs your bowels or rectum.
Bowel Movement Changes
If you suddenly move for less than three times a week or if you have a loose stool for a few days or weeks, it could be a sign that there is something wrong with your bowel. Talk to your doctor about it.
Low Energy
If you feel that you are always tired, it could be the result of anemia because of blood loss.
Chronic anemia from menstrual bleeding may also result in low energy. However, it is still a good idea to talk to your doctor to discover other causes of your tiredness or fatigue.
Rectal Bleeding
Some young adults are experiencing rectal bleeding. It could be caused by anything. However, to be sure, you need to consult with your physician. It is especially true if you experience changes in your bowel habits.
Stool that enters a healthy colon is watery. However, as it goes to the end of the colon, the fluid is absorbed causing it to become more solid when you defecate.
The loose stool may move past a mass. However, if the mass completely obstructs the bowel, then you may not be able to pass stool.
Unfortunately, rectal bleeding can be a symptom of a lot of diseases, like hemorrhoids. That’s why you need to consult with your physician to ensure that it is not something serious.
You must talk to your physician if you have rectal bleeding and this type of cancer runs in your family. Even if you are under 50, your physician may still recommend that you undergo colonoscopy.
When your doctor recommends that you undergo this procedure, you need to consider it. Do not be afraid of it.
Even though the colonoscopy prep can be dreadful because you need to take strong laxatives to clean out your bowels, you must endure it.
Keep in mind that this procedure is considered a gold standard for identifying colorectal cancer. When this cancer is caught early, it can save your life.
On another note, if your colonoscopy result returns positive, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations. Surgery is highly successful even for patients with advanced colorectal disease.
Terminus
There is no right age to undergo colonoscopy. It depends on your medical condition and the recommendation of your doctor. If you have a medical history of colorectal cancer, you may ask your doctor regarding colonoscopy at what age you must undergo it.
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