The American College of Gastroenterology (the Group which certifies GI doctors) has updated the year 2000 guidelines issued to GI doctors for colorectal cancer screening.
For 2009, prevention screening has replaced early detection as the stated goal. 50 is still the recommended age for the first 10 year colonoscopy for most of the population. However, and significantly, for African American Males, the initial colonoscopy age has been lowered to 45. Research has indicated that African American Males tend to have an increased rate of polyps, which are potential precursors to colon cancer.
While there have been recent technology advances, including “virtual colonoscopy” a combination of x-ray and computer generated imaging, Colonoscopy remains the preferred method for screening. Be good to your colon. Remember, colon cancer remains one of the more treatable cancers, if detected early or prevented entirely.
posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esq.