How Should You Talk to Your Family about Colonoscopy

This time of year is a great opportunity to spend quality time together with our loved ones. This year, even if your family reunions are virtual, we invite you to discuss your family's medical history and assist each other in learning about your family's colorectal cancer risk factors. When it comes to colorectal cancer, knowing your risk and getting colonoscopy screening at the correct time can save your life or the life of a loved one.

Be Aware of Your Own and Your Family's Risk Factors

If you have a family or personal history of CRC or specific bowel illnesses, it is crucial to know whether you are at high or average risk for the condition. Asking your family members if there is any history of colorectal cancer in your family tree is the first step in determining your risk level.

Having a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) puts you at greater risk than you might think, even if you don't have any of the other risk factors listed above. People who have a first-degree relative with CRC are at a greater risk of developing the disease than those who do not. CRC risk can then rise as much as four times depending on the number of relatives who have been affected, the presence of advanced adenomas and the age at which they were diagnosed. Because of this higher risk, if a family history of colon cancer is identified, you should be checked earlier and more frequently, and with more sensitive screening technologies, than a person without a family history of CRC.

This time of year is a great opportunity to spend quality time together with our loved ones. Your family medical history should be brought up even if your holiday parties take place via the internet this year, so that you may help one other better understand your family's colorectal cancer risk factors. This article could save the life of someone you care about from colorectal cancer by helping them understand their risk and getting screened at the appropriate time.

Access to the Right Risk Level Screening

The first stage in the screening procedure is to meet with your doctor to review your family history and other risk factors, which will help establish which screening method is best for you. As a result of the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans now completely cover preventative cancer screenings.

First-degree relatives who have been diagnosed with CRC or advanced adenoma before the age of 60 should anticipate their doctor to prescribe screening by colonoscopy every five years starting at the age of 40, or 10 years before the youngest affected relative's age of diagnosis, whichever is earlier. First-degree relatives with CRC or advanced adenoma after age 60 may be eligible for less-invasive screening methods, such as colonoscopy.

Screening Methods That Are Less Invasive

Colorectal cancer screening using colonoscopies is an option for those at average risk, but a less intrusive screening approach, such as the Fecal Immunochemical Test, may be a preferable first step for those who are less fortunate.

Ask us at Screen the City for colonoscopy screening in OKC. We are here for any kind of bowel illness, gastroenterological issues and more.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not intend to offer a doctor’s advice and mentions no relationship between any patient and the care provider.