When to Get a Colonoscopy in Frisco/Plano, TX

When to get a colonoscopy depends on your age, symptoms, family history, and risk for colorectal cancer.

Most adults at average risk should begin colon cancer screening at age 45, while patients with higher-risk factors may need earlier evaluation.

Why are Colonoscopies Performed?

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic used to check the colon for colon cancer and polyps. Having a colon cancer screening will help your medical provider detect if there are precancerous or cancerous polyps in your colon.

Noncancerous polyps can become cancerous over time if not removed. Noncancerous polyps are removed if found in the colon during colonoscopy preparation and before they become cancerous. Cancerous polyps are also removed if found. You should get a screening as early as possible if you’re at an average risk of developing colon cancer. 

Colon cancer screening can help prevent colon cancer and also help diagnose and treat it.

Most People Should Start Colon Cancer Screening at Age 45 in Frisco/Plano, TX

Generally, it is recommended to get your first colonoscopy in Frisco/Plano, TX, at age 45 if you are at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Regular colonoscopy screenings are recommended from age 45 through 75.

Individuals who are age 50 and above are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. If you’re age 50 or above, it is recommended to get a colon cancer screening at least once every ten years. If they’re found in the colon, they will be removed. 

Precancerous polyps may turn cancerous over time if you don’t get colonoscopy screening early enough. It is important to get colon cancer screening at an early stage to check your colon and prevent the development of colorectal cancer. 

Consult Your Doctor About Colorectal Cancer Screening After Age 75

Colon cancer screening is usually not recommended in people who are aged 75 and above. This is due to the increased risk of adverse events and colon perforation. The risk of adverse events from colonoscopy increases by 10%, while the risk of colon perforation rises by 30% after age 65.

You should consult your doctor about colon cancer screening if you’re age 75 or above. 

High-risk Groups Should Start Screening Earlier

People who are at high risk of developing colorectal cancer should start colonoscopy earlier than age 45. This is to allow early detection and to prevent precancerous polyps from becoming cancerous. 

Individuals at higher risk for colorectal cancer include:

• Individuals who have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, have a history of colorectal cancer. 
• Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease 
• Individuals who have received radiation therapy to their stomach or pelvic area for a previous cancer.
• Individuals with inherited genetic changes, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Individuals with FAP should start colonoscopy screening as early as age 10.

Having A Colonoscopy At Age 45 Is Different Than Having One At Age 75

The body changes as one ages. Colonoscopy screening is not recommended for some people after age 75. 

It is much safer to get a colon cancer screening at age 45 rather than at age 75. The risk of adverse events from colonoscopy increases by 10%, while the risk of colon perforation increases by 30% after age 65. You have even more risk of adverse events at age 75. 

At age 75, you will only need to get a colonoscopy in Frisco/Plano, TX, if your doctor found precancerous polyps during your previous colorectal cancer screening or if you’re experiencing symptoms of colorectal cancer.

When Should You Get a Colonoscopy in Frisco/Plano, TX?

You may need colonoscopy screening if:

Age – You’re age 45 and above and at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. 

Family history – You have a family history of colorectal cancer such that any of your parents or siblings has a history of colorectal cancer. 

Personal history of bowel disorders – You have a history of bowel disorders.

Signs That You May Need a Diagnostic Colonoscopy in Frisco/Plano, TX

There are a number of signs or symptoms that can indicate the need for a diagnostic colonoscopy in Frisco/Plano, TX. 

These signs and symptoms include:

• Blood in your stools
• Frequent narrow or thin stools
• Changes in your bowel habits
• Abdominal pains or cramps
• Bloating
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation 
• Weight loss
• Chronic fatigue

At what age should I get a colonoscopy?

It is generally recommended to get colorectal cancer screening from age 45 and above if you’re at an average risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, you may need to get a colonoscopy earlier than age 45 if you’re at high risk of developing colorectal cancer. 

Consult with your doctor if you’re at high risk of developing colorectal cancer to know what age to get your first colorectal cancer screening. 

What age should a woman need a colonoscopy?

The American Cancer Society recommends that women and men who are at an average risk of developing colon cancer should begin colonoscopy screening at age 45. After which, they should get periodic colonoscopy screening once every ten years until age 75. 

Why Your Doctor Wants You to Get a Colonoscopy in Frisco/Plano, TX

Your doctor may recommend colorectal cancer screening to check your colon for precancerous or cancerous polyps if you’re at an average or high risk of developing colon cancer.

Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy if you’re showing signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer. This will help your doctor make a diagnosis and develop a suitable treatment plan. 

Is it mandatory to have a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an important diagnostic procedure that you should get if you’re at an average or high risk of developing colon cancer. It can help prevent colorectal cancer. Precancerous polyps are removed if found in the colon during a screening.  

Can I get a colonoscopy at 30?

A colonoscopy may be recommended at age 30 or earlier for patients with higher-risk factors, such as a strong family history, inherited syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, or concerning digestive symptoms.

When can you stop getting colonoscopies?

It is generally recommended to stop screening at age 75 and above due to the increased risk of adverse events and colon perforations.

You may need to stop screening at age 75 if no precancerous polyp is found in your colon. It is best to contact your doctor to know when to stop getting colorectal cancer screening. 

Is colonoscopy my only cancer screening option?

Other screening options can be used to screen for colon cancer. These include stool tests, also known as the fecal immunochemical test, stool DNA test, and sigmoidoscopy. However, colonoscopy is a very effective way to detect colon cancer and remove precancerous polyps if found. 

What happens if a colon polyp is found during a colonoscopy?

A colon polyp is removed if found during a colorectal cancer screening. Tissue samples may be taken and sent to the lab for analysis.

Dr. Adnan Badr MD: Schedule a Colonoscopy in Frisco, TX

If you are due for colonoscopy in Frisco/Plano, TX, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or are experiencing symptoms such as blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Adnan Badr, MD in Frisco/Plano, TX.

Dr. Adnan Badr provides colonoscopy in Frisco/Plano, TX and digestive health evaluation for patients.

Dr. Adnan Badr’s Frisco office is located at:

4500 Hillcrest Dr. Ste 185
Frisco, TX 75035

Phone: 972-514-3530
Fax: 972-514-3531

Call today to schedule your colonoscopy appointment in Frisco/Plano, TX.