Colonoscopies Save Lives: What to know after 45
Colonoscopy at 45 in Charleston
Colon cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the United States, but, unlike many others, it is also one of the most preventable. Precancerous areas can be treated, and, if cancer is found and caught early, there is a high chance of survival. Routine screenings such as colonoscopies play a lifesaving role.
Why Screening Starts at Age 45
In recent years, there has been a troubling trend of increasing incidents of colon cancer in patients younger than the age of 50. That shift prompted updated guidelines recommending that adults begin routine colon cancer screening at age 45, even if they feel healthy and have no symptoms.
“Unfortunately, we’re seeing colon cancer in younger folks,” said Haily Vora, MD, of Palmetto GI. “The good news is that we have a way not only to screen for it but to remove the problem before it becomes more serious.”
How Colon Cancer Develops and Why It’s Preventable
Colon cancer typically begins as small growths, or polyps, that form on the inner lining of the colon. Most polyps are benign but can become cancerous over time. This often happens slowly and has no apparent symptoms in the early stages. The long development window is what makes colon cancer so preventable.
“With colonoscopy, we use a camera to look inside the colon for growths that could develop into cancer,” Dr. Vora explained. “If we find them, we can eliminate them before they ever turn into cancer.”
Colonoscopy vs. Other Screening Options
Many people assume cancer screening is only necessary when something feels wrong or if they have symptoms, but, with colon cancer, the disease may already be advanced by the time symptoms appear.
Environmental factors such as tobacco use, obesity and alcohol consumption are thought to contribute to the rising incidence of colon cancer. Because risk increases with age, routine screening at 45 offers a chance to intervene before cancer develops. While several screening options are available today, colonoscopy remains the gold standard. Unlike stool or blood tests, which can detect signs of existing cancer, colonoscopy allows doctors to both identify and remove precancerous polyps in a single procedure.
“That’s what makes colonoscopy so effective at saving lives,” Dr. Vora explained. “It doesn’t just find cancer; it prevents it.” She went on to explain that alternative tests may be better than no screening at all for average-risk patients, but they are less sensitive for detecting polyps. If a stool or blood test comes back abnormal, a colonoscopy is still required to investigate further.
Is Colonoscopy Safe?
“Fear is one of the biggest reasons people delay their first colonoscopy,” Dr. Vora said. Concerns about pain, complications or anesthesia are common. “I hear worries from patients about the procedure being dangerous, but the risk of serious complications, like a tear or a reaction, is less than 1 in 1,000.”
For older adults, colonoscopy is still considered very safe. “Between ages 70 and 80, the risk is about the same as when you’re younger,” she noted.
Sedation causes anxiety for some patients, but Dr. Vora emphasized that risks are minimal, especially compared to surgery or cancer treatment. The procedure itself is short, and patients are carefully evaluated and monitored throughout.
Who Should Be Screened Earlier?
While routine screening begins at 45 for average-risk adults, some people should be evaluated earlier. Subtle symptoms such as rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss or changes in bowel habits, like persistent constipation or diarrhea, should always be taken seriously. “Family history is also important,” Dr. Vora said. “If you have relatives who have had colon cancer, you may need to be screened earlier or more frequently.”
Colonoscopy can also help diagnose conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease, as well as identify cancer or polyps.
Taking the First Step
For those still hesitant, Dr. Vora offered a simple perspective: “A day of preparation and a day off work is much preferred over a lifetime of worry, chemotherapy and dealing with this horrible disease.”
Colon cancer is common, serious and potentially deadly, but it is largely preventable. Regular screening gives people the chance to protect their future health. “If you don’t know enough about it, ask a doctor,” Dr. Vora advised. “Meet with a gastroenterologist. Have the conversation. Colon cancer is preventable, and regular screenings can absolutely save your life.”
By Anne Toole
