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When to Schedule Your First Colonoscopy

Premier Gastroenterology Blog When to Schedule Your First Colonoscopy
When to Schedule Your First Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer. In 2021, nearly 150,000 individuals were diagnosed with colon cancer, and it’s developing at a younger age than in the past.

That’s why it’s important to know when to schedule your first colonoscopy -- a test that helps to detect colon cancer and precancerous growths.

At Premier Gastroenterology in Brooksville, Florida, Rodwan Hiba, MD helps patients keep their gastrointestinal systems healthy. Dr. Hiba evaluates, diagnoses, and treats issues that affect the gastrointestinal system and wants patients to have the information they need about scheduling a colonoscopy. This test is the most effective screening for preventing colon cancer. 

Colonoscopy 101

Colonoscopies are safe and painless. Light sedation keeps you comfortable. It involves using a small, flexible camera to view your colon and rectum. Dr. Hiba will check for:

If any suspicious or abnormal growths are found, your provider can remove them during the colonoscopy. Doing so reduces the chances of developing cancer in the future. If you have digestive symptoms, your provider may also remove tissue samples to test for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. 

Importance of early screening

Colonoscopy screenings play a key role in detecting disease before symptoms appear. Like many cancers, colon cancer rarely causes symptoms until it advances, and by then it is more difficult to treat.

Polyps or abnormal precancerous growths in the colon or rectum are the most common cause of colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is a safe and effective way to detect and remove these growths before they have a chance to become cancerous. Furthermore, a colonoscopy can detect cancer early, before it spreads and when it is easiest to treat. 

Guidance for colonoscopy screening

In the past experts recommended that people with an average risk of colon cancer begin screening at the age of 50. However, after research revealed that colon cancer is now developing at a younger age, it’s recommended that you start screening at the age of 45 and screen every 10 years after that. If you have risk factors for colon cancer, you should start screening earlier. 

Here’s what to consider:

Having a close relative with colon cancer or polyps increases your risk of colon cancer. This is especially true if multiple relatives have had colon cancer, or if a first-degree relative is diagnosed with colon cancer at a younger age.

Individuals with a heightened risk for colon cancer should begin screening at the age of 40, or 10 years before the age of your relative’s first diagnosis. For example, if you have a first-degree relative diagnosed with colon cancer at age 45, you should start screening at age 35.

Your overall health also influences the need to begin screenings at a younger age. A healthy lifestyle that includes a diet high in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption can reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Here are some conditions that influence how often to screen for colon cancer.

Polyps

The size and type of polyps found will influence when you should have your next colonoscopy. If you fall into this category, you should have your next colonoscopy within 5 years. 

Inflammatory bowel disease

If you have Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis, you may need to screen sooner. Screening should begin 8 years after the initial diagnosis or at the age of 45, whichever comes first.

If you’re diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, start screening 8 years after initial diagnosis.

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Individuals with these gastrointestinal symptoms should screen earlier than the age of 45:

If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with Dr. Hiba. 

Give our team a call at or send a message to our Brooksville office to schedule a colonoscopy or consultation with Dr. Hiba. We offer in-person and telehealth visits. 

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