How ofter do you get a colonoscopy?

turtle42

I am 44 years old dx with breast cancer at age 40. I had a colonoscopy that year as a precaution. The doctor that did the test said that due to my history of breast cancer I should have a colonoscopy every two years. I just schedulede one but I was wondering if anyone else gets them that often. The dr that did it four years ago  advised me to have one every two years because breast and colon cancers are cousins. It just seams that I am hearing alot lately about women with both of these cancers happening to them. Any thoughts?

lisa-e

I got one shortly after my bc dx.  I was told I should have another one in ten years as there were no problems.   

The American College of Gastroentology does not recomend more frequent screening for women who have been dx with breast cancer, as their risk of developing colon cancer is only slightly increased.  If you don't have a family history of colon cancer and your last one was fine, I would get a second opinion.

 I know I wouldn't want to have a colonoscopy that often without a damm good reason.   My pcp does do a fecal blood test every year as a part of my physical.  That is pretty simple and non-invasive. 

Kathy044

I'm age 66 and I've never had a colonoscopy. I checked the Canadian guidelines before seeing my pcp this week and found  the recommendations here are the same as those lisa-e mentioned. Some cancers (stomach, ovarian are two I remember) increase risk of colon cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer do not.

susan_CNY

I was dx with stage 2 colon cancer (tumor was large, causing a blockage), a year later breast cancer. My oncologist called the 2 cancers cousins. I would question the every 2 year exam, I was tested 1 year after the hemi-colectomy and since then every 3 years, perhaps you had a polyp removed ? My family is prone to multiple primary cancers. Hopefully soon genetic testing will be available to dx those of us who are so at risk, I worry for my children.

lisa-e

My gyn called breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and colon cancer buddies.  But really, I haven't found any stats to indicate that is true.  Absent genetic factors, I understand that my chance of getting colon or ovarian cancer are only slightly higher than the average woman.    My mother died of lung cancer; I don't think that increased my risk of getting bc.

 Susan,  I hope there will be genetic testing for your children. 

cbm

I get a colonoscopy and gastroendoscopy every year, and had been doing so for a few years before the breast cancer diagnosis.  My sister had Lynch Syndrome related endometrial cancer the year before my bc, and my doctor stepped up my screening.  I had a colon polyp at age 40, and had been getting colonoscopies every few years.

I'm 58 now.  My sisters, brothers, and dad all get them annually.

Can't be too careful.

Warmly,

Cathy 

Leah_S

I had a colonoscopy and was told after it by the gastro doc to have one every 5 years, not because of my bc but because of my aunt's colon cancer. BTW I'm 59.

Leah

ruthbru

My doctor said every five years.

Jellydonut

Never!

I'm 58 and it's been suggested by docs  many times over the last five years to partake in one.  I just don't have the courage

ruthbru

They are really, really nothing. My DH, who is the biggest baby in the world, and put it off for years just had one and was amazed how easy the prep and procedure was. After what you have been through, it would be a piece of cake (plus, you do NOT want to end up with colon cancer...that is bad, bad, bad stuff).

mathteacher

5 years. It's really easy. They give you this nice drug, and you're out quickly, the it's all over.

My sister didn't have a colonoscopy and her colon cancer could have been avoided if they got it at the polyp stage. It was only discovered because she got so anemic they thought she had to be losing blood internally. Her gyn was the one that thought to test her blood for anemia.

carol1949

It was recommended to me to have it every 5 years.  I think people can get a bit crazy chasing cancer risks.  I have come to a point in my life where, I feel that itis important to just live... use your common sense and whatever is meant to be willl be!  Just breathe!  It is our lifeline to the universe!

iodine

I was 59 at dx, showed a slight positive for hidden blood in my stool so had one about 6 mos. after diagnosis.  It was completely clean.  No polyps or any bleeding.  Was told I didn't have to do another. 

Now you have me thinking I should ck on that.  and I will.  It is the most simple thing I've had done since dx, and that includes 2 recons, back surgery and hip replacements, not to mention a scare on the good boob.

turtle42

Thank you so much for all the input. My mom does have a history of colon polyps and I dont know anything about my dads medical history so maybe that is why he is being cautious. I know the test isnt anyting to worry about as I mentioned I have had one in the past. Its just that being self employed it is hard to take the time off. My insurance will pay for it so I guess its just good preventitive care. Does anyone know if colon cancer in the early stages causes any pain? Since my hyst, well lets say that nothing works like it used to so I am used to a little pain in that area. I have been using some vaignal estrogen and it does seem to help with bowel movements, sorry tmi, I know. I am reluctant tp use the estrogen cream too ofter because my tumor was 100% est. pos. But hey it does work.

iodine

Hi, may I suggest daily stool softner?  I took a double dose until I got better.  But still every day.  They are over the counter and non habit forming like laxitive can become.

Another TMI: fill a Fleet's enema container with mineral oil and warm it.  It helps "grease the skids".  I also use glycerin suppos. for the same reason, when necessary.

Mantra

I just had my first one a few months ago. Actually, I had two! The first one I had twilight sedation and they were unable to get past the first bend because the pain was excrutiating. The next one I was asleep. A breeze! Went to sleep and didn't feel a thing. During the first colonoscopy they removed a polyp that turned out to be precancerous. The second colonoscopy found nothing. I was told I need to have one every three years. I personally found the prep to be no big deal (used Pico Salex). I was also told breast, colon, ovarian and I think uterus cancer . . all to be connected. Knowing that I have already had BC, precancerous polyp in my colon, and pre cervical cancer as well as precancerous moles, I really am considering having my ovaries removed. Anyone else do this? I am post menopausal and am BRCA 1 & 2 negative yet I just feel that this time I should be proactive instead of reactive.

carol1949

Mantra,

Before you go getting body parts all cut out, please read Dr. Patrick Quillin's Beating Cancer With Nutrition.  He is former president of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  It isn't just about food, but building a strong immune system which is supposed to track down cancer cells and destroy them.  If I recall, Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book also warns about  medically unnecessary surgeries giving a false sense of security.  I would hate to have a surgery only to find it wasn't needed and my cancer still returned.

activern

I was told colonoscopy every 10 years for BC patients [like everyone else]. I had a fight with my insurance company and they would not back off.  My last colo was 2005 and I am sched for another one in 2015 since this was negative.  I can understand the reasons tho: This is invasive and the risks of injury outweigh the benefits.  We also do so much testing during our cancer treatments that Colon cancer or suspicious polyps will be picked up anyways.  Just my thoughts.

ruthbru

You aren't going to discover a polyp without a colonoscopy. By the time colon cancer presents symptoms, you are already in deep trouble, 'cause it will have spread. Did anyone watch Dr. Oz, who had a colonoscopy as part of his show to remind people of the importance of screening? He was shocked when they actually discovered (and removed) a polyp. He said if he would have waited 5 more years, he would have been dead. He was pretty shaken up by it. He said that you preach these things to patients but never think they will happen to you.

carol1949

Yes, I agree, I think I didn't make myself clear that I was referring to not having one's ovaries cut out, or anything like that. Sorry if I didn't make my suggestion clear.

I was told every 5 years for the colonoscopy, as I too had a polyp, but the kind I had he said is never malignant... just would not have gone away on it's own.

lovemygarden

I am in my 60s and have never had one, because I have a long history of a bad reaction to all kinds of anesthesia or sedation (I have vaso-vagal syncope which makes meds like epinephrine or OTC non-drowsy cold/allergy meds a trigger for me, and on the opposite end of the meds spectrum I have had the same nasty reaction even to common stuff like Benadryl). Anything that acts on the SNS (sympathetic nervous system) is a risk for me.

I am, however, considering having a virtual colonoscopy sometime next year after I am all done with my year of chemo. I will still have the prep to contend with (which should be a real joy considering that my stomach is extremely touchy and reacts to every little thing, from many foods to just plain ol' stress!) but at least no sedation is required for those. Better a VC than nothing, I suppose.