What does family history of colon cancer mean?

About 1 in 4 colorectal cancer patients have a family history of colorectal cancer. Family history means any of the following are true: At least one immediate family member (parent, brother, sister, child) was diagnosed under the age of 60. Multiple second-degree relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.)

Is there an alternative procedure to a colonoscopy?

Alternatives to colonoscopy include sigmoidoscopy, which is a less invasive form of colonoscopy, and noninvasive methods, such as stool sample testing.

Can colon cancer be diagnosed without a colonoscopy?

However colonoscopy remains the most sensitive test for colorectal cancer screening and the identification of precancerous polyps. Stool based tests, such as Cologuard or FIT, are reasonable alternatives for patients who are unable or unwilling to undergo a standard colonoscopy. Screening saves lives.

What should I do if I have a family history of colon cancer?

If you have a first degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with a history of colon cancer, it’s recommended that you start getting screened at age 40 or 10 years earlier than your relative was diagnosed, whichever is earlier (For example, if your brother was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 35, you should start …

Can I have a CT scan instead of a colonoscopy?

Virtual colonoscopy is also known as screening CT colonography. Unlike traditional colonoscopy, which requires a scope to be inserted into your rectum and advanced through your colon, virtual colonoscopy uses a CT scan to produce hundreds of cross-sectional images of your abdominal organs.

Is cologuard a good alternative to colonoscopy?

Cologuard®, a new stool-DNA screening test for detecting colon cancer, is not as good at finding precancerous polyps as a colonoscopy, and, unlike colonoscopy, it can’t remove them.

Would colon cancer show up in blood work?

No blood test can tell you if you have colon cancer. But your doctor may test your blood for clues about your overall health, such as kidney and liver function tests. Your doctor may also test your blood for a chemical sometimes produced by colon cancers (carcinoembryonic antigen, or CEA).

What percentage of colon cancer is hereditary?

Approximately 5 to 10 percent of colon cancer is hereditary. The major hereditary colon cancer syndromes are Lynch syndrome (previously known as Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer or HNPCC) and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP).

What are the guidelines for colon cancer screening with family history?

Based on current recommendations, most people start colorectal cancer screening at age 50, but if you have a family history your doctor may recommend the following:

• Colonoscopy starting at age 40, or 10 years before the age that the immediate family member was diagnosed with cancer,
• More frequent screening,

What is average risk for colon cancer?

Incidence of Colorectal Cancer by Risk Category

Average risk (sporadic; no identifiable risk factor)	75 \%
Family history of colorectal cancer	15 to 20 \%
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer	3 to 8 \%
Familial adenomatous polyposis	1 \%
Ulcerative colitis	1 \%

Should I have a colonoscopy if a family member has had colon cancer?

However, this is not the same for people with a family member who has had colon or rectal cancer. People with a family history of colorectal cancer are at higher risk for colorectal cancer and should have colonoscopy done at an earlier age. In most people, this is age 40 or 10 years before the age of diagnosis of their family member.

Are there alternatives to the traditional colonoscopy?

Here are five alternatives to the traditional colonoscopy if you’re considering colon cancer screening because of your age or heightened risk. 1. The Stool Sample: Quick, Simple and Only a Bit Gross

What are the recommendations for screening colonoscopy?

You may be aware of the recommendations for screening colonoscopy for the prevention of colon and rectal cancer. Colon cancer can be prevented through the removal (by colonoscopy) of pre-cancerous growth, called polyps. In people without a family history, colonoscopy should begin at age 50.

Does having a family health history of colorectal cancer increase my risk?

Having a family health history of colorectal cancer makes you more likely to get colorectal (colon) cancer yourself. Knowing your family health history of colorectal cancer and sharing this information with your doctor can help you take steps to lower your risk.