Colon prep requires several days of low-fiber diet, causing constipation and possible painful diverticulitis flare-up. Last colonoscopy was 7 years ago, no polyps. Anxiety motivated me to ask for another one after 3 family members diagnosed with colon cancer. However, all were determined to be sporadic cancers, ie, not genetic. And colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years. I’m now re-thinking if I should proceed; I’ve read about the elevated risks of colonoscopy for those over 70 (the recommended cut-off for these screenings is age 75). I'm obese, have high blood pressure (well controlled) and pre-diabetes (controlled with diet). Sometimes my pulse dips to 40-42 momentarily, but heart monitoring two years ago indicated nothing serious. My resting pulse is 60-65, though I’m not an active person. I read where the fluid loss during the prep, even while trying to stay hydrated, can cause an electrolyte imbalance. In seniors, that could lead to a cardiovascular event. Then there’s the risk of a perforated colon with the procedure or even with a diverticulitis flare. I decided to cancel my appointment for the scheduled procedure and instead, made an appointment to discuss these issues with my primary care doctor. Perhaps a less invasive screening would be preferable? Would love to know folks’ thoughts and experiences. Thanks!
Colorectal polyps may turn cancerous in 10 years, while today's 69 year old woman will average living an additional 17 years to age 87. (https://www.ssa.gov/oact/population/longevity.html.)
My mother had never had a colonoscopy when she was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at age 82. Surgery and chemo were successful in her case and she lived cancer-free to age 99. Her last colonoscopy was at age 89, probably influenced by her own mom's age at death being 98.
The ideal cut-off age for colonoscopies is probably a decision best made jointly with your doctors, considering health, medical issues, family longevity, and the very small possibility of intestinal perforation.
I’m sure that you mean well, but your post doesn’t really help with the decision that OP has to make.
The OP IS taking screening seriously. The recommendation is that he should have a colonoscopy every ten years, his last was seven years ago, he was clear. So, conclusion 1, it can wait three years at least.
Any symptoms, any changes, any weight loss, any clinical signs causing concern? No. Even the family history, which often would be a reason for extra precautions, has been ruled out as an issue - there are no genetic factors in the other family members' disease.* So, conclusion 2, no occasion for a (non-routine, actually) colonoscopy.
In the absence of any clear reason to go ahead with a colonoscopy now, the OP should cancel this appointment.
If he is still concerned, and I agree that we all of us should be alert to risks, there are other things he can do.
He could consult a dietitian about minimising his risk.
He could ask for a stool sample to be investigated.
He could ask his PCP to keep an eye on basic statistics including, I agree again, his blood count.
*Just a thought: genetics has been ruled out, but what about other factors these family members and you yourself might have in common? Traditional foods, environmental exposures, anything like that?