Busting Three Colonoscopy Myths

With colorectal cancer diagnoses on the rise, early detection has never been more critical.  

Colonoscopies are the most effective tool for colorectal cancer prevention, whether it’s identifying the disease early or removing precancerous growths that can cause future complications.  

But there are still long-held misconceptions around the procedure that might keep some people from getting screened. We talked to gastroenterologists from BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine to help dispel three common colonoscopy myths, so you feel more comfortable getting screened. 

Myth 1: “I don’t need the test because I don’t have any symptoms.” 

Approximately 30% of colorectal cancer patients don’t exhibit symptoms, which is why it’s important to get screened even if you feel fine. Colonoscopies can detect colorectal cancer at any stage, plus they can find and remove polyps, which are precancerous growths that form in and around the colon.  

The earlier colorectal cancer is detected, the better your chances are of making a full recovery. According to the American Cancer Society, when colorectal cancer is spotted early and still localized, the 5-year survival rate is 91%; when the cancer is detected in later stages, the survival rate is only 13%.

“I have personally seen patients come in for a screening colonoscopy who had no symptoms, and we found early-stage colon cancer, which we were able to cure. I’ve also had patients without symptoms who had precancerous polyps, which we were able to remove and thereby prevent cancer,” says Jean S. Wang, MD, PhD, WashU Medicine gastroenterologist.

Myth 2: “I don’t need the test because I don’t have a family history of colorectal cancer.”

Family history is a significant factor in colorectal cancer diagnosis because certain gene mutations that cause cancer can be passed down to family members. However, while family history is a determining factor for colorectal cancer risk, it’s not the sole determinant.  

“Only 20% to 30% of patients diagnosed with colon cancer have a significant family history of the disease,” says David Lotsoff, MD, a BJC Medical Group gastroenterologist. “The greatest risk factor for colon cancer is age, and the older you get, the more likely it is that you’re diagnosed with colorectal cancer, even without a family history.”

Understanding your family history of colorectal cancer is helpful. But it’s just as important to watch out for alarming symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, and unexplained weight loss and to stay on top of annual screenings as you get older. Doing that provides a real-time look at your colorectal health and overall well-being.  

Myth 3: “I don’t need the test because I’m too young to get colorectal cancer.”

Colorectal cancer is one of the fastest-rising cancers in terms of diagnoses. One reason for that uptick is the increase in younger patients—specifically age 50 and younger—developing the disease.

According to the American Cancer Society, the number of colorectal cancer diagnoses under age 50 increased nearly 3% annually between 2013 and 2022. The rise has been so great that, in 2018, the American Cancer Society and other organizations lowered the recommended age for colonoscopies from ages 50 to 45.  

If you’re younger than 45 and have a family history of colorectal cancer or begin experiencing blood in your stool, abdominal pains, or unexplained weight loss, talk to your primary care provider about a colonoscopy referral.

“Colorectal cancer used to be thought of as an old person’s disease, but colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for people under 50, plus there are more cases arising for people in their 20s and 30s,” Dr. Wang says.

The idea of getting a colonoscopy can cause anxiety and make you miss out on important, valuable preventive health care. If you’re nearing 45 or feel unsure about your colorectal health, be proactive and talk to your primary care provider.

Trust your gut and schedule a colonoscopy at a BJC HealthCare location near you. Early detection of colorectal cancer helps you get in front of the disease and make the best decisions about your health.