Is Colonoscopy necessary in a Healthy 65 year Male?

Dear Ask The Doctor: Should a man 65 years old get his first Colonoscopy if he is in good health and takes no meds.

Dear Ronald: Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. Majority of  the colorectal cancers begin as polyps (benign outgrowths of the intestinal wall) and may not present with any symptoms. These polyps grow in size and number, and over the years become cancerous and invade the wall of the intestines and move on to other organs. Early detection and removal of these polyps will help in preventing the development of colon cancer in the future.

The risk of colon cancer increases with

i) Age

ii) If someone in the family has history of colon cancer

iii) Diet rich in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables

iv) Smoking, obesity and alcohol

Colonoscopy is advised in every adult over the age of fifty years and earlier if there is family history of colon cancer with repeat colonoscopy every 10 years if normal.