When is endoscopy needed?

This question was asked in Santa Barbara, California on 04/02/2012.
My husband and I need to start getting screened for colon cancer. We are in our late 40s. I am very confused about what procedures you actually need to get. How do we know if we should get endoscopy? How do we know we are supposed to get colonoscopy or virtual colonoscopy? We are very confused.

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Doctors Answers (1)

Harsha Vittal, M.D.
Answered on: 4/5/2012 4

If you are an average risk person, then colonoscopy should start at age 50. If you have risk factors such as a family history, you should start earlier. Discuss your options with your doctor.