Is it bad to have a colonoscopy at a young age?

Your age alone can put you at a higher risk for colorectal cancer, and anyone over the age of 45 is considered to have an average risk of developing this cancer. It’s why screening guidelines and cancer experts now recommend beginning screening colonoscopies at age 45.

When should you start getting screened for colorectal cancer if your family has a background of having colorectal cancer?

If family history increases your risk, your doctor will recommend earlier and more frequent screening. People with a family history of cancer should get screened at age 40 or 10 years before the youngest case in your immediate family, whichever is earlier.

When should you get a colonoscopy to help reduce the risk of colon cancer?

Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and finding it early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer.

Are colon polyps common in young adults?

The study revealed that 38 percent of young adults had high-risk polyps, including 35 percent with advanced adenomas (> 9 mm or with any villous features or high-grade dysplasia).

How often should you get a colonoscopy if you have a family history of colon cancer?

Those with an average risk of colon cancer, should begin screenings at age 50 and repeat once every 10 years. People with a family member who has had cancer should begin colonoscopies at age 40, or 10 years prior to the youngest diagnosed age (whichever comes first) and should repeat every five years.

Is family history of colon polyps high risk?

A family history of colon polyps may also be considered a risk factor for developing colorectal cancer. If you have a first degree relative with a history of colon polyps, specifically pre-cancerous adenomatous type polyps, you may also benefit from earlier and more frequent colorectal cancer screening.

How common are colon polyps in 30 year olds?

They’re common. 30 to 50 percent of adults will develop colon polyps. Not all colon polyps turn into cancer.

How common are polyps in young adults?

What is the best age to get a colorectal screening?

However, some organizations (such as the American Cancer Society) recommend screenings begin at the age of 45 due to the rise in young-onset colorectal cancer. This is another reason why it is important to alert a medical professional if you experience any concerning symptoms. What can I do to lower my risk of colorectal cancer?

When should I get a colonoscopy If I have other tests?

If a person chooses to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result should be followed up with colonoscopy. People at increased or high risk of colorectal cancer might need to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45, be screened more often, and/or get specific tests. This includes people with:

How old do you have to be to get colon cancer?

Fast Facts. If you are age 50 to 75 years old, you should get screened for colorectal cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening beginning at age 50. Some groups recommend starting earlier, at age 45. The vast majority of new cases of colorectal cancer (about 90\%) occur in people who are 50 or older.

Why should I get screened for colorectal cancer?

Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. Regular screening, beginning at age 50, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends