Colonoscopy's

Dear Ask The Doctor: How often does a woman age 76 have to have a colonoscopy? I been told by some people it every 5 years and by other every 10 years.

Dear Sarah:

A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Colonoscopy is generally considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening.

The procedure is used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum where they could not be reached by sigmoidoscopy. Polyps can be removed during colonoscopy. Sedation is usually used for colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is currently the only test recommended for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk persons at 10 year intervals, especially when the patient is over 50 years of age and with no family history of cancer.