As colorectal cancer rises among young Indians, when should you get a colonoscopy done?

Colonoscopy, a procedure designed to examine the large intestine from where the small intestine meets the large intestine, serves as a vital tool in detecting various colorectal conditions, including inflammation, polyps, growths and cancerous lesions. Its significance in cancer screening cannot be overstated, particularly in individuals with a history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as those with a family history of the disease. In India, the annual incidence rates for colon cancer and rectal cancer in men are 4.4 and 4.1 per 1,00,000, respectively. The annual incidence rates for colon cancer in women is 3.9 per 1,00,000, according to the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR).

THE PROCEDURE IS DIFFERENT FOR DIFFERENT PEOPLE

For those who have previously been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, annual colonoscopies are recommended for the first five years post diagnosis. Following this period, the frequency of screenings may be extended, depending on the patient’s condition and medical history.

Similarly, individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer should go for screenings ten years prior to the age at which the relative was diagnosed.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face an elevated risk (about 10 per cent) of developing colorectal cancer, necessitating more frequent screenings. After ten years of IBD onset, these patients are advised to undergo annual colonoscopies.

In the general population, colorectal cancer screening via colonoscopy is recommended for individuals aged 50 years and above. But given the incidence of colorectal cancer among young Indians, most doctors are even suggesting the procedure at age 45. The typical guideline suggests a screening interval of every ten years for those with no significant risk factors or symptoms.

It’s worth noting that while colonoscopy remains a crucial tool for colorectal cancer prevention and early detection in many regions, such as Western countries, the prevalence of gastric cancer outweighs that of colorectal cancer in certain Asian populations. Consequently, the emphasis on gastrointestinal cancer screening may differ based on regional epidemiology and healthcare guidelines.

That’s why the frequency of colonoscopy screenings varies based on individual risk factors, medical history and evolving guidelines. Regular screenings play a pivotal role in detecting colorectal cancer and other gastro-intestinal conditions early, facilitating timely intervention. As research continues to refine screening protocols and guidelines, cancer prevention is about balancing cost-effectiveness with patient safety.