The biggest factor that increases success in the treatment of all cancer diseases is early diagnosis. Colon cancer, in particular, is a preventable disease. Most colon cancer develops from polyps. Initially, benign polyps that do not contain cancer cells turn into cancer over time. These lesions, which are easily recognized by colonoscopy, can be treated simultaneously without turning into cancer. So, when and how often should people who do not have any complaints have a colonoscopy? How often should people who have been diagnosed with polyps, diagnosed with colon cancer, or have a family history of colon cancer have a colonoscopy? Here is the answer:
1- A person who does not have any complaints should have fecal occult blood once a year, rectosigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or colonoscopy every 10 years, starting from the age of 50.
2- Before. Patients who have had a colon polyp detected during colonoscopy and have had it treated should have a colonoscopy after 3 years, and if no polyps are detected during the follow-up, a repeat colonoscopy should be performed after 5 years.
3- A colonoscopy check-up is performed 1 year later for anyone who has undergone colon cancer surgery. If no new lesion is detected during the control, a colonoscopy check is performed after 3 years. If no new lesion is detected during the follow-up, colonoscopic checks should be continued every 5 years.
4- In patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, if the entire colon is involved, it will be taken out of routine check-ups after 8 years; if only the left colon is involved, it will be taken out of routine check-ups after 15 years. Colonoscopy and routine biopsy checks should be performed every 1-2 years, starting from the year .
5- If colon cancer is detected in the family or first-degree relatives, colonoscopy should be performed every 5 years starting from the age of 40.
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