General Gastroenterology

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer screening is recommended at age 50 in average risk individuals or at age 45 in African Americans as part of good preventative care. The federal government has set the current screening standard and covers routine colonoscopy for all Medicare recipients.

Medicare eligibility criteria for colonoscopy as a screening test defines average-risk (colonoscopy every 10 years) as not having had a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy or barium enema within the last 4 years or a screening colonoscopy within the last 10 years, and never had colorectal cancer or an adenomatous polyp. High-risk (colonoscopy every 5 years or as determined by the original endoscopic findings) is defined as family history of colon cancer in a sibling, parent, or child, and/or personal history of adenomatous colon polyp or colon cancer.

It is no longer considered a screening colonoscopy if you are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms which may include rectal bleeding, change in bowels, bloating, or rectal pain. If you have any of the above symptoms, further evaluation is needed. You can contact our office to make an appointment or discuss with your primary care provider.