Surveillance Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer
Surveillance colonoscopy is colonoscopy performed in an individual to search for any cancers or pre-cancerous lesions (e.g. polyps) in persons who are not symptomatic but are at risk for developing cancer within the colon.
Surveillance colonoscopy for Colon Cancer according to international guidelines should be performed in every person at the age of 50yrs and then at least every 10 years in persons who have the average risk of developing colon cancer, as this age group is defined as most likely to develop cancer or pre-cancerous lesions and detection of early lesions in this population would improve the prognosis. Average risk individuals are the general population who do not possess any other additional risk factors for developing cancer earlier or to a greater extent. People who have family history of colon cancer or other associated cancers including endometrial, gastric cancers, renal tract cancers and certain neurological cancers have greater than the average risk of cancer and surveillance for cancer in these people should start at an earlier age. Also people with family history of the Lynch Syndrome, adenomatous polyposis syndromes and polyps are also at greater risk than the average population of developing colon cancer and should also have surveillance at an earlier age and at more frequent intervals varying between annually to five yearly depending on the associated condition.
A gastroenterologist is well versed in guidelines regarding appropriate surveillance tailored to the background of the above mentioned patient categories and is well trained in colonoscopy procedures to ensure that no potential pre malignant lesions are missed during these procedures.
