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Anne, every patient with a family history of colon cancer is at a higher risk. If you are not in that group, you should still get a baseline exam. My mother was very stubborn and I recall asking her to have a physical when she was 58. She complied and sure enough! The doctor found several pre-cancer polyps which had to be removed on the spot! She was told to have one every two years after that experience. She is alive today at age 75 because she is aware of her risk level. She did not have a family history of colon cancer but kept an unhealthy diet for years prior to that. Her experience made me a person at risk because she is my mother. So I got my baseline colonoscopy at age 40. Since it was normal, I was told that every 5 years was good enough. On the other hand, my mother-in-law failed to have a colonoscopy and died of colon cancer. Also no family history on her end.

I do not want to scare you, but I understand your hesitation. I have had two and they are very easy, there is a cleansing period 24 hours before the procedure which is good for your gut (it cleans EVERYTHING!) and the day of the procedure you will be given "memory loss" drugs that keep you awake but you will not remember a thing! A little bloating afterwards but the next day you are ready to eat normal again.

December 12, 2008 - 1:28am

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