Frequency of colonoscopy

While it doesn't replace a colonoscopy, ask your doc about Colovantage. It's a blood test that can be used to detect colon cancer in patients who either can't or choose not to undergo a traditional colonoscopy. No prep necessary, just a blood draw.

Yep, I'm on the 5 year plan. They are not bad at all.

How old are you when they traditionally start? Isn't it 50? I had my first "routine" mammo after I found my lump...

The five year plan for me wasn't due to breast cancer but instead due to my Aunt having died from colon cancer and one polyp found on my last scope.  Plus, I'm over 50 now.

I'm also on the 5-year plan, and like Galsal it is due to my aunt's death from colon ca, not from the BC.

I'm going to find out about an alternative prep next time. I had the one where you drink about 4 liters of whatever-it-is and I got very sick from it. I passed out, felt overwhelmingly weak, and also barfed. I have to say, I am 61 and that was the first time IN MY LIFE that I threw up. I've heard there are pill-type preps but they are hard on the kidneys so I'll look into it. I have until 2015....

Leah

To my knowledge, the studies thus far were conflicting.  The NCI is currently doing an ongoing collection of data for breast and colon cancer and the genetics behind both.  Stay tuned as they may come out with more definitive information one of these years.  The five year interval is probably too often for most of you, but I'm sure the docs will see you that frequently if insurance will pay at that interval, and as long as you "hold still" for it. 

Hi everyone. I had a colonoscopy on July 3rd and it was my second one since being diagnosed with BC in 2008. The first one was in 2009 and looked OK but she wanted to re-check in 2012. Again everything looked OK but I'm set to have another one in 2015. I really hate the prep! Mine was a two day prep this time with drinking two liters of Colyte on day one and four liters of Golytely on day two. The test itself was pretty easy; it was the prep that was the killer.



I was told that ILC can spread to the digestive system so I need close monitoring.



Aggie.

Hello Butterfly - I had my first at 47 having been diagnosed at 46. I only waited until then because of the chemotherapy. I just wanted to get checked for everything I could. It was NOT as bad as I thought it would be. I will be going back again year after next. Speak to your doctor if for peace of mind you'd like it earlier. take care

I am supposed to get one very 5 years, I waited two extra years and had one done again last month and 7 polyps where founded, my oncologist only recommends a colonoscopy, they can see clearly and removed what is needed, a virtual colonoscopy misses some.

I also get a yearly MRI and abdomen /pelvic CT scan, that did not showed the polyps that even if benign with time can became cancerous if not removed.

Also I get an upper GI endoscopy  every 5 years to check my stomach and my throat, because of vomiting due to the  chemo, the lining of my esophagus is very thin and he checks for Barret disease, even that was a long time since my treatments, I  have GERD and take nexium daily.

I will never pass the 5 years again.

I'm on the 5 year plan too - partly because of BC, partly because my father had pre-cancerous polyps in his 50s.

I'm due next year when I will be 55.

Hi Wallycat, yes you are correct, we might be saying the same thing but in different ways...my Oncologist told me that my risk of recurrence was 14% and with hormoney therapy it would bring it down to 9%.  Yes, as you said it helps you decide whether or not to do Chemo.  I chose not to, with Dr.'s backing because it would have only lowered my risk by something like 2%.  So after consulationt with my dr. and him speaking with a UCSF specialist I made my decision not to do Chemo.  The results they gave me in a print out that were quite detailed.  I was impressed actually, I did not expect it it tell me so much. I was so thankful to have it available to me, to help me decide.  Without it, I would have done Chemo not knowning the details. 

My onc requested a colonoscopy after treatment.  I had one in 2008 that was the routine screening that happens when turning 50 (I was 51) and I had no issues, although I have had GERD GI reconstruction surgery in '95 and did have minor bleeding during chemo from soft tissue irritation.  My insurance refused to pay for the one my onc requested, and also said that unless I have symptoms they will not pay for one until 10 years from the one in 2008.  I have also had two clear PET scans since BC dx.

Edited to add that I just realized I posted on an ILC thread, and I am IDC, but the thread title caught my attention since I just had this insurance refusal in the last month!

You still need colonoscopy for detection of many colorectal cancers. PET/CT scans not the same.