Nutrition and Healing
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If you’re over the age of 75, you’ve probably been told that it’s time to slow down on your colonoscopies.

After all, you’ve been doing them for years, and they’ve always been the gold standard for catching colorectal cancer early.

But as we age, it’s important to ask: At what point does the procedure become more risky than beneficial?

As with many things in health, it’s not always a clear-cut answer.

But new guidelines and research are shedding some light on this important issue, especially for seniors.

Are Colonoscopies the Best Option for Seniors?

For years, the colonoscopy has been the go-to screening method for detecting colorectal cancer and removing precancerous polyps.

But once you reach a certain age, the risks associated with the procedure start to outweigh the benefits.

In fact, studies show that seniors aged 75 and older are much more likely to experience complications from colonoscopies. These include everything from dehydration and electrolyte imbalances (caused by the bowel prep) to serious issues like bleeding, bowel perforation, and even cardiovascular complications.

And let’s not forget the time it takes for a polyp to turn into cancer—sometimes 10 to 15 years. If your life expectancy is shorter than that, the chances of benefiting from a colonoscopy drop significantly.

So, When Should You Stop?

According to updated guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), colon cancer screening is recommended for adults aged 45 to 75. After 75, screening should be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on your overall health and risk factors.

For seniors in generally good health, continuing screening up to age 80 might make sense. But for those with more serious health concerns, the risks of the procedure likely outweigh the benefits.

Now, this doesn’t mean that colon cancer screening should stop completely—there are newer, less invasive options to consider, like stool-based tests and blood tests.

New Options for Colon Cancer Screening

One alternative to a colonoscopy that’s gaining popularity is the ColoGuard test. Unlike a colonoscopy, ColoGuard doesn’t require any prep, sedation, or invasive procedures.

It’s a stool-based test that can be done in the comfort of your own home and detects DNA changes and blood that may indicate colon cancer or precancerous polyps.

While not quite as thorough as a colonoscopy, ColoGuard is a great option for those who are at average risk and simply don’t want to—or can’t—undergo the traditional screening process.

There’s also a new blood test (you can read more about it here) called Shield, recently approved by the FDA, which can detect colorectal cancer. While still in its early stages, this simple blood draw may offer a convenient way to catch colorectal cancer early, especially for seniors who might be more prone to complications from invasive tests.

When It’s Time to Say No

If you’re over 75 and in good health, it’s worth talking to your doctor about whether you should continue screening. If you’re dealing with other health issues—whether it’s heart problems, diabetes, or something else—those conditions may need to take priority.

The bottom line is that colonoscopies aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, especially as we get older. Every person is different, and it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits before moving forward with screening.

And remember—just because you may be stepping back from colonoscopies doesn’t mean you’re giving up on prevention. Tests like ColoGuard and Shield are valuable tools in detecting cancer early and keeping you healthy.

Sources:

Crist, C. (2024, August 26). How Old Is Too Old for a Colonoscopy? Medscape; Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/how-old-too-old-colonoscopy-2024a1000fkn?ecd=wnl_infocu1_broad_broad_persoexpansion-algo_20240911_etid6819686&uac=220764MT&impID=6819686

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