Colonoscopy
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Colonoscopy
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What To Think About
- In general, pregnant women and people who have an abdominal infection or diverticulitis should not have a colonoscopy unless there is an important reason for it.
- Colonoscopy is a more expensive procedure than a barium enema and other endoscopic colon tests (such as proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy), but it can be done less often over time if results are normal.
- Most experts, including the American Gastroenterological Association, recommend that people with no risk factors for colorectal cancer start screening tests at age 50.
- The American Gastroenterological Association recommends that people with a family history of colorectal cancer start screening tests at age 40, or 10 years before the age that the relative got cancer.
- If you are at increased risk for colon cancer, talk to your doctor about which test is best for you and how often you should have the test.
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Last Updated:
August 11, 2008- Author:
- Monica Rhodes
- Medical Review:
- Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
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