Colonoscopy

[Ric.ror]

I have a history of bowel cancer in my family. How often would I require to have a colonoscopy?
My last was in 2009

[retrocop]

Ric.ror
Just had one. A year after my colon was removed nearly. Had it about 3 weeks ago and wnt to RMH on Monday to discuss with oncologist. The bowel is clear and my next colonoscopy will be in 3 years time. I am 65yrs at the moment. When I get to70yrs (If) I think they say you are on your own now Jack. 3 score and Ten and all that stuff :-)

[Sqad]

Lost contact with the UK, now, but if you are over 50yrs of age with a family history of bowel cancer, I would say every 5yrs at the most and better still every 2 years.
Someone will come along with a link.

[Ric.ror]

Oh I better get my name down then

Thank you

[retrocop]

Ric.ror,
My wife works in endoscopy and does this procedure. (She didn't do me :-))
When she comes home I'll get back to you. I know she mentioned that more regional clinics are being opened within the NHS to do more screening by colonoscopy which can only be for the good. My faith lies totally in the colonoscopy. Nothing else found my cancer.

[murraymints]

pleased to hear your news retro xx

[MargoTester]

Retro, glad to hear that you had such good news on Monday x

[retrocop]

Thanks Minty and Margo. Was a bit of a bummer if you excuse the pun. I have to have a annual CTC scan as well. Had that 2 weeks ago. As far as the cancer was concerned. No trace but that enlarged aorta is on the march again by .5 cm. I expect I will be paying another visit to the Vascular unit soon. Never ends does it? :-)

[Ric.ror]

Retro - I'm giving you best answer - I know Sqad won't mind

[retrocop]

Ric .ror
Most kind and unexpected. Always good to put someones mind at rest that it just aint all doom and gloom. Cancer is being beaten and although unwanted it can be kicked into touch if found quick enough. You are doing the right thing to get it checked out with regard to your family history. Best of luck :-)

[ladyalex]

Very interested to see this post.
I had a pre-cancerous polyp removed in 2009 and was told I would be given a colonoscopy every five years from then on.
When 2014 rolled around, not only was I not contacted (I had assumed that I would be on some sort of list and that when my name came up I would be contacted automatically) but when I rang the colonoscopy department, they had no record of my being due for a recall. My GP got it all sorted out, I had one, all clear, and I am due another one (deep joy) in 2019, if I'm spared.
So....five years between screenings, but you have to remind them!