Colonoscopy: When Is It Time To Schedule?

1. Select your age:

18 or under

19 - 34 yrs

35 - 45 yrs

46 - 59 yrs

60+ yrs

Regular colonoscopy screenings are recommended for people over the age of 50. People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease should get tested regularly at any age.

Explanation

Regular colonoscopy screenings are recommended for people over the age of 50. People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease should get tested regularly at any age.

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2. Does anyone in your family have a history of: (check all that apply)

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal polyps

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)

None of the above

Individuals with a previous family history of these conditions have an increased risk of developing the same issue. Regular colonoscopy screenings will help to prevent or quickly identify most colorectal conditions.

Explanation

Individuals with a previous family history of these conditions have an increased risk of developing the same issue. Regular colonoscopy screenings will help to prevent or quickly identify most colorectal conditions.

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3. Check all of the following that apply to you:

Type II diabetes

African American

Smoke tobacco

Consume 2+ alcoholic beverages per day

None of the above

Type II diabetes: Individuals with type II diabetes (usually those that are non-insulin dependent) have an increased risk of developing colon (bowel) cancer.

African Americans: For unknown reasons, African Americans have the highest rate of colon cancer and subsequent mortality rates among all racial groups in the United States.

Tobacco: Chronic smokers are at a higher risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer.

Alcohol: Colorectal cancer has been linked to heavy alcohol consumption. This could be contributed to the fact that heavy alcohol users typically have lower levels of folic acid.

Explanation

Type II diabetes: Individuals with type II diabetes (usually those that are non-insulin dependent) have an increased risk of developing colon (bowel) cancer.

African Americans: For unknown reasons, African Americans have the highest rate of colon cancer and subsequent mortality rates among all racial groups in the United States.

Tobacco: Chronic smokers are at a higher risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer.

Alcohol: Colorectal cancer has been linked to heavy alcohol consumption. This could be contributed to the fact that heavy alcohol users typically have lower levels of folic acid.

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4. Which foods are part of your regular diet: (check all that apply)

Red meats (beef, pork, lamb)

Processed meats (hot dogs & some luncheon meat)

Meats cooked at high temperatures (frying, grilling, or boiling)

Vegetables

Fruits

Whole Grains

Red & Processed Meats: Studies show that people with diets high in red and processed meats were approximately a third more likely to develop colon (or bowel) cancer than those who ate a lesser amount.

Meats cooked at high temperatures: Research has shown cooking meat at very high temperatures produces chemicals (HCAs) in meat that may increase the risk for colon or breast cancer.

Vegetables, Fruits, & Whole Grains: Eating a healthy diet with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is recommended to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.

Explanation

Red & Processed Meats: Studies show that people with diets high in red and processed meats were approximately a third more likely to develop colon (or bowel) cancer than those who ate a lesser amount.

Meats cooked at high temperatures: Research has shown cooking meat at very high temperatures produces chemicals (HCAs) in meat that may increase the risk for colon or breast cancer.

Vegetables, Fruits, & Whole Grains: Eating a healthy diet with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is recommended to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.

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5. Have you ever experienced any of the following: (check all that apply)

Blood in bowel movements

Recurrent stomach pain, aches or cramps

Fluctuation in bowel habits, such as stools that appear narrow

Unattributed constipation or diarrhea

Unexplained weight loss

None of the above

All of the issues above could be attributed to a serious issue related to your bowels. Getting your colon regularly screened will help to identify any problems as soon as possible.

Explanation

All of the issues above could be attributed to a serious issue related to your bowels. Getting your colon regularly screened will help to identify any problems as soon as possible.

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6. Select your level of physical activity:

Inactive: No exercise

Light activity: Exercise 1-2 times per week.

Moderate activity: Exercise 3-4 times per week.

Heavy activity: Exercise 5+ times per week.

Being inactive or only participating in physical activity 1-2 times per week may increase your chance for bowel or colorectal cancer. Increasing your physical activity to 3+ times per week could reduce your risk.

Explanation

Being inactive or only participating in physical activity 1-2 times per week may increase your chance for bowel or colorectal cancer. Increasing your physical activity to 3+ times per week could reduce your risk.

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7. Do you currently or have you ever had: (check all that apply)

Colorectal cancer

Adenomatous polyps

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

Rectal hyperplastic polyps

None of the above

Those with current or a previous history of these conditions have an increased risk to develop recurrent issues. A regularly scheduled colonoscopy can help to identify recurrent problems quickly.

Explanation

Those with current or a previous history of these conditions have an increased risk to develop recurrent issues. A regularly scheduled colonoscopy can help to identify recurrent problems quickly.

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