5 reasons you might need a colonoscopy

With almost one million Australians getting one each year, colonoscopies are one of the most common medical procedures.

Age, family history, and health concerns may lead to your GP recommending that you have a colonoscopy. But are there other indications you should be on the lookout for?

Here are some of the reasons that you might need a colonoscopy.

If you notice any changes in your bathroom habits or are experiencing persistent stomach upsets or discomfort, don’t wait, says GP Dr Samantha Saling.

“Book in to see your doctor as soon as possible so they can work through what the diagnosis could be and then action what to do next.”

If you present to your doctor with certain symptoms, they may recommend that you have a colonoscopy to rule out serious illness.

Symptoms include:¹

• unexplained weight loss
• bleeding from the rectum
• blood, pus or mucus in the stools
• unexplained abdominal pain
• changes in bowel habits such as unexplained and long-lasting diarrhoea.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

If you have a family history of bowel, anal, rectum or stomach cancer, particularly if a close relative was diagnosed before the age of 55, it can increase your risk of getting colorectal cancer.²

In this case, your doctor may recommend you get a colonoscopy around the age of 45 or as early as 10 years before your closest family member developed their cancer.

“A family history of bowel cancer can mean that screening colonoscopies are performed more regularly (and earlier) than standard guidelines,” says Dr Saling.

Having a colonoscopy when you’re young increases the likelihood of early detection, which can lead to faster and more effective treatment. Also, if polyps are found they can be removed during the colonoscopy, meaning they cannot become cancerous.

Even if there's no cancer present, a colonoscopy will give your doctor valuable information about your overall health.

Australians between the ages of 45-74 can now register with the National Bowel Cancer Screening program, a free, at-home test.

“From the age of 45 it's recommended to have a test every 2 years that looks for blood in the stool, which can be an early marker of colorectal disease among other things,” says Dr Saling. “If blood is detected, your doctor is likely to recommend a colonoscopy.” If blood is found in the stool, this is not necessarily an indication that cancer is present.

If no blood is found in the stool and you receive a negative test result, you will receive a repeat test every 2 years. It’s important to note that a negative result does not mean there is no bowel cancer present. If you get other symptoms of bowel cancer it’s important to see your doctor immediately.

Polyps are growths on the lining of your colon or rectum. Most polyps are harmless, but some can become cancerous over time.

Depending on the size, amount and nature of your polyps your doctor may recommend that you have regular colonoscopies to help prevent serious illness developing.

Some polyps may be removed during a colonoscopy as a preventative measure against any cancer developing.

Your doctor may recommend you have a colonoscopy if you have, or have had, previous conditions, such as bowel problems or injury or damage to the bowel, colon, intestine or rectum.

If you want more information on why you might need a colonoscopy and how to get one talk to your GP.