I would like a professional opinion on a topic. If you don't need it, why have it done? Colonoscopy???????

Question

If one dr tells you that you need to have it done because you are over 50 is that a logical reason to have it done? I am specifically referring to the famous colonoscopy. There are risks like in anything else. If nothing is wrong why have the test because of the age factor? The general physician says no do not have this test done unless you are haveing problems. I would like an honest opinion. Thank you

Answer 1

By the time you have syptoms of colon/rectal cancer, it is too late.

Your choice. It just just like a woman not having a pap smear until there are syptoms. Or not having your blood pressure checked every so often. You can always play Russian Roulette.

Answer 2

My honest opinion is to find another general physician, unless you are just looking for someone to agree with you. This doctor's advice is contrary to ALL leading medical professional organizations (The AMA,  AGA, SAGES and the Harford Journey of Medicine to name a few).

My dad's all time favorite doctor never told him to loose weight (the doctor was also overweight) nor did he tell him to watch his sugar intake (the doctor was type 2 diabetic).  Now, the doctor died over a decade ago (after loosing his feet to diabetes).  My dad has had major coronary disease (because of what he was eating) and lost part of his foot due to type 2 diabetes.  The point is, having a doctor that agrees with you does not mean you have a doctor that is looking out for your best interest.

My other guess is that you are afraid that if you let someone invade your r****m, somehow that will mean you are g*y.  That is pure BS, it is a medical procedure.

I had my first colonoscopy at 48 because of my family history of colonic polyps on the maternal side.  I knew I didn't need no stinking colonoscopy because I had no symptoms.  During that colonoscopy, the doctor removed a single benign polyp.  Then 5 years later, I had my follow up colonoscopy.  The doctor removed another benign polyp.  Then 5 years after that and the doctor removed 3 polyps. That got me a one year follow up.  That time there was one polyp.  Now it will be three years before I have to do it again.  The point is I never had any symptoms.  As for the colonoscopy, it is no big deal.  I have never been sedated for it and I can attest that there's a little discomfort (pain level 6 or 7) for a few minutes.  Most people select being sedated so they won't remember it.  I want to be sure all goes well and besides it's interesting seeing the real inner self.

This is a high stakes gamble your taking. Inspector Harry Callahan said it best. "You have to ask yourself.  Do I feel lucky?  Well, do you?"  You're saying to yourself, "I have no symptoms of cancer or colonic polyps; therefore, I won't get cancer"  Well, I can't tell you for sure if you will or won't.  So, you have to ask yourself; Do I feel lucky?  

The pupose of the colonoscopy is to look for colonic polyps.  Some (not all) colonic polyps do eventually become cancerous.  By being checked, the GI doc can detect any polyps and remove them before they become cancerous.  The good news is that if you are free of polyps, you don't get checked for another 10 years.

You are betting your life on this one.  I hope you make the right decision.

Answer 3

Well you SHOULD have it done because many people have POLYPS in thier colons and polyps can turn to cancer after many years or decades of having them.  Many people over 50 die from colon cancer when a simple colonoscopy can find them, they snip them at the same time (totally painless) and you have piece of mind.

If you are having any changes to your bowel movements, like incontenance, or blood in your stool etc. then you definitely should.  Cancer caught in early stages is very treatable, and colon cancer is a very common cancer which can be prevented with screening.

Answer 4

I'm 62 and have nixed every suggestion that I have it done, I have no symptoms,and there is no history of it in my family. I say never kick a sleeping dog.

Answer 5

It depends on the Individual! If for example you have a Family History of Bowel Cancer, then you should be screened. If you have had any problems with the bowel, intestine, hemorrhoids, polyps, then you should have it done. I know it is not a nice exam to have done, but better to be safe than sorry. Best of Luck