What Age Should a Woman get a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a screening test that can detect precancerous or cancerous polyps (growths) in the colon before obvious symptoms develop and cancer becomes more difficult to treat. Regular screening is vitally important, as colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States.
At what age should you get a colonoscopy?
The American Cancer Society recommends that women (and men) who are at an average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45 and then receive a colonoscopy once every 10 years until age 75 if they are in generally good health.
Who is at a high risk for colon cancer?
The colon cancer screening guidelines for average-risk women and high-risk women differ. A woman is considered to have an increased risk of developing colon cancer if she:
- Has a family history of colon cancer or precancerous polyps
- Had colon cancer or precancerous polyps in the past
- Has an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Received radiation therapy to her stomach or pelvic area for a previous cancer
- Has Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
If you are considered to be at a high risk for colon cancer, it’s important to consult with a medical professional about what colonoscopy schedule would be best for your specific health needs and risk factors. Your physician will likely recommend screening before age 45, or more frequent screenings.
Colon cancer screening at Moffitt
Moffitt Cancer Center encourages everyone to be proactive about their health through regular cancer screenings. That’s why our Gastrointestinal Oncology Program offers colonoscopies, high-sensitivity blood tests and other reliable colon and rectal cancer screening methods to average- and high-risk patients. Scheduling a screening appointment at Moffitt is easy—simply call us at 1-888-663-3488 or fill out a new patient registration form online.
Know when to get screened for colon cancer
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all adults ages 45 to 75 receive regular colorectal cancer screenings. Those at increased risk of colon cancer should receive screenings earlier than age 45. This includes individuals that:
- Have a first degree relation to someone diagnosed with colorectal cancer. For these individuals it is recommended that screening begin at an age 10 years prior to the relative's age when they were diagnosed. For example, if your father was diagnosed at age 50 with colorectal cancer, you should begin screenings at age 40.
- Have inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Have been diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
If you are at increased risk, speak to your doctor about when you should begin colon cancer screenings and which test is the right option for you.