When 46-year-old Raj (name changed) started experiencing occasional stomach cramps and aches, he brushed them off as late-night meals, weekend eating out, and later, stress. Like millions of adults in India, he had never thought much about colon health. However, it was not until a family friend shared their recent colon cancer diagnosis that he realized the importance of screening. Today, experts emphasize that understanding the right age to get a colonoscopy could save countless lives.
“Colorectal cancer is no longer just a disease of old age. Because more cases are being found in younger adults, major guidelines now recommend that people at average risk start screening at age 45,” Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist at M | O | C Cancer Care & Research Centre, told Times Now Health.
According to Dr. Sharma, colonoscopy can be easily repeated after ten years if your first test reading is normal with no added risks.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in India and across the world, often developing silently over the years. It typically starts as small, benign polyps in the colon or rectum. While these polyps may not cause symptoms initially, some can slowly turn malignant. Detecting and removing them early is crucial—this is where colonoscopy comes in.
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine the entire colon and rectum using a flexible camera. During the procedure, polyps or abnormal growths can be identified and removed, preventing the development of cancer.
“The most thorough test is a colonoscopy, in which a flexible tube with a camera examines the inside of your large intestine. Its big advantage: doctors can find and remove polyps (small growths) before they turn cancerous, often preventing cancer altogether,” said Dr. Sharma.
Colon cancer does not usually have early signs
For most people who are even at an average risk for cancer, medical guidelines – which include those from the American Cancer Society and major gastroenterology societies- recommend starting colon cancer screening at age 45. However, earlier screening may also be advised for those who have a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome.
Screening earlier can be a game-changer.
“Some people need earlier or more frequent screening. If you are 45 or older, or younger with these risk factors, do not delay. A simple conversation with your doctor about getting a colonoscopy could literally save your life,” repeated Dr. Sharma.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
