Question: I'm 48. My mother's mother had colon and lung cancer, and my mother had breast cancer. Given my history, I wanted to get a colonoscopy, but my doctor says there's no reason for that procedure prior to turning 50. Do you concur?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

I understand your concern, especially with your family history. Proper screening involves accurately stratifying your level of risk based on your personal, family, and medical history.

Current guidelines are based upon accurate screening of your individual risk of developing this condition. For those with average risk, the most recent guidelines call for screening to begin at age 50. Your doctor is apparently following the most recent guidelines in his recommendation to you. These guidelines are intended to provide a minimum threshold for screening.

This does not mean you should be denied your request for a colonoscopy. In my opinion, your risk is not average. Many of us harbor polyps in our bowels that produce no symptoms and are often found on our first colonoscopy. You will have great peace of mind with a normal colonoscopy, and I recommend you readdress this with your doctor.