P. asks about his colon:

My provider does cover sigmoidoscopy but only colonoscopy if there are clinical or other indications. I had hemoccult lab test and sigmoidoscopy recently and they were negative. No clinical indications. Family history has only one occurence, my 80 year old (at the time) grandmother.I am curious if there are any statistics or simply and opinion on the likelihood of a positive colonoscopy after a negative sigmoidoscopy.

Dr. Joshua’s answer:

You’ll be interested to know the U.S. government’s official take on this:

Screening Recommendations. The AHCPR (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) panel recommended that, beginning at the age of 50 years, persons at average risk for colorectal cancer undergo one of the following screening regimens:

1. Fecal occult blood testing annually.

2. Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.

3. Fecal occult blood testing annually and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.

4. Double-contrast barium enema every five to 10 years.

5. Colonoscopy every 10 years.

—————————————————————————

Such fun! Can’t wait till I’m 50.

I recommend reading the article. It’s a medical text, but clearly written, and I think you’d be able to grasp the most important bits.

You would belong to the “average” risk group. I don’t know how old you are, but if you’re over 50, the above would be your plan.

I regret that in your specific case I cannot give an opinion. You’ll have to talk this one over with your gastroenterologist.
—————————————————————————-

Discuss this topic on the Health Forum

   More answers in Abdominal, Family Doctor, Stomach-Colon-IBS-Reflux, Surgery