Repeat Colonoscopy, how often?

[jean60]

Just looking for some input. I am two years out from diagnosis, had a colonoscopy one year out and my surgeon originally said I could skip a year before the next one. That didn't feel good to me at the time but now I wonder. Wondering how often others have colonoscopies?

Thanks,
Jean

[Emilea]

My surgeon and onc both insist on yearly colonoscopies. I asked the surgeon "forever??" And when he replied "yes" I told him I reserve the right to call it good enough when I get to be 80...

[jean60]

Interesting, Emilea! Maybe I should stick with my initial feeling.
Thanks for your response.

Jean

[Peloton]

My oncologist said one every 18 months. I've had two post treatments. First was clean; second revealed a sessile polyp that was yanked.

[gtownguy]

My oncologist recommended a colonoscopy annually. I'm having my first one post-surgery next month.

[Jachut]

I had one one year post surgery and will have another later this year - that will be a three year gap

[Stomatrooper]

It's a three year thing for me - that's the norm' here

[lauragb]

I had a clean one, one year post treatment and am now on the every three years plan.

[jacekica]

In Croatia 5 years - so I can expect to be Dead befopre next colonoscopy....my First was 2 years after dx, on my demand....strange thing here

[jjlist]

once a year for the first 5 years
then a decision will be made for the following ones. it will be at least every 2 years. I have just had my 5th one and will discuss this in a few weeks with my onc. The gastroenterologist who has been doing mine told me next one in 2 years. The tests have never seen any polyps. I think that is a big factor in the frequency. This last one did show a fistula which may have to be treated surgically. I don't have any rectal tissue at all, and whats left down there has been radiated. I am afraid they wont be able to repair it due to the tissue damage. I haven't been told that, just my opinion. I envision, multiple surgeries to repair the repair etc, and I don't want to go through that. If I need a repair, I may just opt for the permanent colostomy.

[raym]

After my first colonoscopy I was told one year for the next as polyps (and tumor) were found. The following year a reoccurance blocked things so much the scope could not be done. Soon after I had HIPEC as well as a permanent colostomy. Due to chemo and other medical issues I did not have a follow up until about 18 months after that. (So that is almost 3 years from initial diagnosis). That scope (of what was left of my colon) did not find anything so I was told 3 years for the next one.

[justin case]

I was told 3 years, but a CT every year.
Michael

[Frenchie's Wife]

I am almost 5 years from DX. I have NEVER had one. I have had active cancer since the beginning so I get a lot of pet scans. I guess they must be able to see everything, many I should ask out of curiosity.

[michelle c]

I think it would depend if any polyps were found. Two years sounds reasonable if no polyps were found. It has been recommended that I have a colonoscopy every year because it is a possibility that I have Lynch (HNPCC) or similar mismatch gene, otherwise I would have one every two years.

[chemo sabe]

My resection was in Feb 2012. Colonoscopy in Jan 2013 was fine. Next one was last January (2014) and everything was OK. These scopes were all accomplished by the same GI doc who found the cancer in Oct 2011. When I came to following this years procedure, my GI doc said I do not have to come back for 2 years!! My scans are still every 6 months.