Dr. Fahd Aziz Rana is a gastroenterologist who advises patients about the colonoscopy test in Lahore. A colonoscopy helps doctors diagnose digestive problems and check for colorectal cancer. Doctors use a tube with a camera to check the colon for problems. Knowing when to get a colonoscopy test in Lahore is important for early detection. This guide covers the age for a colonoscopy and the symptoms that require a checkup.
What is a Colonoscopy and Why Is It Done?
A colonoscopy uses a tube called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has a camera on the end. The doctor inserts this tube into the colon and checks the inside of your intestine. Doctors can find digestive diseases and early signs of colorectal cancer. They can also treat some conditions during the colonoscopy. For example, doctors can remove small growths called polyps to prevent cancer. It is important to understand what is a colonoscopy to take care of your health.
Diagnostic Uses
Doctors perform colonoscopies to find the cause of digestive problems. The colonoscopy shows a clear view of the colon lining. Doctors can find the reasons for bleeding in the intestines or changes in bowel movements. Colonoscopies are better than X-rays and scans for seeing inside the colon. Doctors can also take small tissue samples called biopsies. Conditions like ulcers, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease can be found during a colonoscopy.
Screening and Prevention
Doctors recommend colonoscopies as a regular checkup for colorectal cancer. Cancer in the colon often starts with polyps. These polyps usually do not cause symptoms early on. A colonoscopy test in Lahore helps find polyps or early cancer before they become serious. Regular colonoscopies can save lives by finding cancer early or preventing it by removing polyps. That is why the colonoscopy procedure in Lahore is important for your health.
Recommended Age for Colonoscopy Screening
Patients often ask, “At what age should I get a colonoscopy?” Doctors recommend age 45 for most people. In the past doctors recommended age 50. Cancer cases are increasing in younger adults so the age is now 45. Starting a colonoscopy at age 45 helps find problems early when they are easier to treat.
If you have normal results at age 45 doctors usually recommend getting another colonoscopy every 10 years. Colonoscopy is better than other tests because doctors can treat problems during the same test.
Continuing Screening in Older Age
Healthy adults should continue colonoscopies until age 75. After age 75, your doctor will decide if you should continue based on your health. Usually, doctors do not recommend colonoscopies after age 85. Talk to your doctor about the right age for your colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy for High-Risk Individuals
Some people need a colonoscopy in Lahore before age 45 or more often. These people have a higher risk of colon cancer. You have higher risks if you have:
- Family History of Colorectal Cancer or Polyps:
If your parent or sibling had colon cancer, you should start testing earlier. Doctors usually suggest 10 years before the age at which your family member got cancer. - Personal History of Polyps or Cancer:
If you had polyps removed, doctors recommend colonoscopies every 3 years. If you had colon cancer, your doctor might recommend more frequent tests. - Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):
People with diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis have higher risks. Colonoscopy screening starts about 8 years after diagnosis. Doctors repeat tests every 1 to 3 years. - Hereditary Genetic Syndromes:
Some genetic conditions cause a high risk of colon cancer. People with these conditions start screening at younger ages, like teens or early 20s. Tests happen more often than every 10 years. - History of Abdominal Radiation:
People who have had radiation to the abdomen have higher risks. They usually start colonoscopies 10 years after radiation or at age 35, whichever comes later.
If you have higher risks, talk to a colonoscopy specialist doctor. The doctor will tell you when and how often you need colonoscopies.
Symptoms That Indicate You Should Get a Colonoscopy
Some symptoms can mean you need a colonoscopy test in Lahore. Doctors recommend colonoscopies if you have these symptoms:
- Rectal Bleeding or Blood in Stool:
Blood in stool could mean polyps or cancer. Doctors perform a colonoscopy to find the cause and treat it. - Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits:
If you have diarrhea or constipation that lasts a long time, it could mean colon issues. Doctors recommend a colonoscopy in these cases. - Unexplained Abdominal Pain or Cramps:
Pain or cramps that continue without reason could mean something serious. Doctors use colonoscopies to find the cause. - Unintentional Weight Loss or Anemia:
Losing weight without trying or having anemia could mean colon problems. A colonoscopy helps doctors find hidden bleeding or cancer. - Pus or Mucus in Stools:
If you have mucus or pus in your stool, it can mean infection or inflammation. A colonoscopy helps doctors diagnose the cause.
If these symptoms continue, talk to a doctor. Doctors recommend colonoscopies to find the problem early.
Conclusion
A colonoscopy is important for digestive health. It helps doctors diagnose digestive problems and prevent colorectal cancer. Knowing when to get a colonoscopy test in Lahore can save your life. Doctors recommend starting at age 45 for most people. If you have high risks, you might start earlier. If you have symptoms like bleeding or pain, talk to a colonoscopy specialist doctor soon.
Dr. Fahd Aziz Rana says a timely colonoscopy improves health outcomes. Schedule an appointment to talk about your health and colonoscopy test in Lahore. Protect your digestive health by getting checked early.
