Ilyas Memon, MD

Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?

Jan 13, 2021

Getting a colonoscopy could actually save your life.

Getting a colonoscopy could actually save your life.

Colorectal cancer is more common than you might think. Not including skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer is the US. While this news may certainly be scary, we also have good news: A simple colonoscopy holds the key to both protecting against and catching colorectal cancer early. Here in The Woodlands, TX, our gastroenterologist Dr. Ilyas Memon can detect and remove cancerous and precancerous colon polyps during a colonoscopy, as well as diagnose other bowel conditions.

A colonoscopy may be right for you if,

You just turned 50 years old

It’s recommended that both men and women turn to their gastroenterologist for their first colorectal cancer screening starting at age 50. A colonoscopy is one of the best ways for our gastroenterologist here in The Woodlands, TX, to prevent colorectal cancer and also detect cancer early. Those at low-to-moderate risk of developing colorectal cancer will want to come in for their first screening by age 50.

You are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms

It’s also important that you don’t ignore symptoms or warning signs of colorectal cancer. While many gastrointestinal conditions cause similar symptoms it’s important to rule out cancer and figure out what’s going on, and a colonoscopy can often give us the answers that we need. Our gastroenterologist will recommend a colonoscopy if you are experiencing,

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Unexpected or sudden weight loss
  • Persistent diarrhea or constipation
  • Blood in the stools or dark-colored stools
  • Abdominal pain

You haven’t had a colonoscopy in a long time

Most healthy individuals who have never had abnormal results from past colonoscopies may go as long as 10 years before needing another screening; however, some people may need to come in every five years. It’s important that you don’t ignore repeat colonoscopies. Going longer than is recommended could lead to the development of colon polyps, which in turn could turn into cancer before we have the chance to remove them.

You turned 45 years old and are at high risk for colorectal cancer

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you have a personal history of colon polyps or you’ve been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease), you may be at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer over your lifetime. In this case, it’s important that you talk to our team about when to start getting screened. Those who are high risk may want to start getting screening as early as 45 years old.

Is it time for you to schedule a colonoscopy with our Conroe and The Woodlands, TX gastroenterologist? Whether you are experiencing symptoms, or you’ve just turned 50 years old, a colonoscopy could provide you with the peace of mind you need. Call us at (281) 764-9500 to schedule a colonoscopy.