Family History of Colon Cancer: When Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
If a parent, sibling, or other family member has had colorectal cancer or certain colon polyps, you may be wondering whether you should get a colonoscopy earlier than the standard screening age.
Family history is an important part of determining an individual's colorectal cancer risk and screening plan.
While many average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, some patients with an increased risk may need earlier or more frequent screening.
Does Colon Cancer Run in Families?
Most colorectal cancers are not caused by a known inherited syndrome, but having certain relatives with colorectal cancer can increase your risk.
Your risk can depend on factors such as:
Which family member was diagnosed
How closely you are related
The person's age at diagnosis
How many relatives have had colorectal cancer
Whether relatives have had advanced or precancerous polyps
Whether there is a known hereditary cancer syndrome in the family
This is why your gastroenterologist needs a detailed family history rather than simply knowing whether colorectal cancer has occurred somewhere in your family.
What Family History Should You Tell Your Gastroenterologist About?
Before your appointment, gather as much information as you reasonably can.
Tell your doctor if a parent, sibling, child, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative has had:
Colorectal cancer
Colon or rectal polyps
A hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
Other cancers that may be relevant to your family's medical history
If possible, knowing approximately how old the family member was when diagnosed can also be helpful.
Do You Need a Colonoscopy Before Age 45 If Colon Cancer Runs in Your Family?
Possibly.
Age 45 is a common starting point for colorectal cancer screening among adults at average risk. People with certain family histories or other risk factors may be advised to begin screening earlier or undergo colonoscopy more frequently.
There is no single screening schedule that is right for every person with a family history.
Your gastroenterologist can assess your personal risk and recommend an appropriate starting age and screening interval.
What If My Parent Had Colon Polyps but Not Colon Cancer?
This information can still be important.
There are different types of colon polyps, and some carry a greater potential to become cancerous than others.
If a close relative has had certain advanced or precancerous polyps, tell your gastroenterologist. If possible, find out what type of polyp was found and the age of your relative at the time.
Your doctor can determine whether this changes your recommended screening plan.
Should You Wait for Symptoms Before Getting a Colonoscopy?
No.
Colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps may not cause noticeable symptoms, particularly during earlier stages.
Screening is intended to identify abnormalities before symptoms develop.
A colonoscopy also allows a gastroenterologist to identify and remove many precancerous polyps during the procedure, which can help prevent colorectal cancer from developing.
What Symptoms Should You Tell Your Gastroenterologist About?
Regardless of your age or family history, speak with your healthcare provider about persistent or concerning digestive changes.
These can include:
Rectal bleeding
Blood in the stool
Persistent changes in bowel habits
Unexplained abdominal pain
Unexplained weight loss
Iron-deficiency anemia
Ongoing constipation or diarrhea
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have colorectal cancer, but they may require evaluation.
Know Your Family History and Your Screening Plan
You cannot change your family history, but knowing it can help you and your doctor make more informed decisions about colorectal cancer screening.
Dr. David Beyda provides colorectal cancer screening consultations and comprehensive gastroenterology care at his Fresh Meadows office in Queens. For patients who need a colonoscopy, Dr. Beyda performs procedures at Rego Park Endoscopy Center.
If colorectal cancer or colon polyps run in your family—or if you are unsure when you should begin screening—schedule a consultation with Dr. Beyda to discuss a screening plan based on your individual risk.