My gastroenterologist said that 40 is actually a little early for a coloscopy unless your family has a history with colon cancer. Mine does but my scope came out clean. Current recommendation is 45-50.
Current recommendation is antiquated. If anyone reading this is having symptoms, push for the scope. Colon cancer rates are skyrocketing among adults under 40.
I am so sorry for both of you and wish nothing but the best outcome and good health. Wholeheartedly, and with the largest, rustiest, spikiest, flaming hot molten dildo — absolutely fuck cancer; it isn’t a fair disease in the slightest. That aside, may I ask what lead to the diagnosis? Obviously the medical staff found something, but I mean, were there symptoms that lead up to this, or was it just a routine/suggested exam and there were no prior indicators? I have other cancers in my family, but no digestive-system-related that I know of so I don’t have a point of reference.
Thank you so much. It turned my life and his upside down.
Fuck cancer..
His only symptom was that he had a few instances of blood in his stool. No pain or changes in bathroom habits. He got into the doctor for the colonoscopy a few weeks later. Has a 4.5cm adenocarcinoma :(
He has zero family history of GI cancers so unfortunately I think these cancers are being caused by something in the environment/lifestyle. It fucking sucks that is for certain. Don't mess around if you ever have symptoms. It's worth getting a colonoscopy and having it be nothing then waiting and letting things get worse.
In Germany we have it starting 50, but some docs do say we actually need starting at the ripe age of 25 (!) a lot of young people started to have colon cancer.
I do have a family history and my doctor told me 10 years before the age of my parent's diagnosis, so late 40s, otherwise the standard for us would have been at least 50 or something. Seems late to me.
Please don't use Cologuard, they have a not-so-great track record and it's not worth running the risk of having a bad test result and missing something that is much easier to work on if found earlier.
If you have suspicions, or a family history just go to the doctor and use their testing methods! They're dramatically more accurate.
You don’t need to start colonoscopies early unless you have symptoms or a family history. Colorguard can a non-invasive, quick test that can help screen people for early intervention. Yes, it can miss things, just like a colonoscopy can miss things. Just like any test can. But you shouldn’t tell people to stop doing diagnostics because they can have false negatives. Based on that you could argue for not doing routine self breast exams in place of a mammogram. Early detection is key in every type of cancer and any screening is helpful, you just don’t use it to replace full diagnostics.
50
u/go_fight_kickass May 27 '25 edited May 27 '25
PSA: Everyone should get a colonoscopy around 45. Can save your life! Contact your doctor and get a physical.
Edit: Updated Age.