The Importance of Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer Screening

By Buffalo Medical Group | May 16 2025 | Uncategorized

Kebin Krautsak, M.D.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet it’s one of the most preventable and treatable cancers—especially when detected early through routine screenings like colonoscopies. A colonoscopy allows doctors to view the inside of the colon and rectum, detect polyps, and remove them before they become cancerous. It is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening.

The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals at average risk begin colon cancer screening at age 45. This age was recently lowered from 50 due to a troubling trend: an increase in colon cancer diagnoses among younger adults. According to recent studies, rates of colorectal cancer have been rising in people under 50, with many cases being diagnosed at more advanced stages. The cause of this trend is still under investigation but may include factors such as diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.

For individuals with a family history of colon cancer, pre-cancerous polyps or certain genetic conditions, screening should begin even earlier—often 10 years before the age at which a first-degree relative was diagnosed. For example, if a parent was diagnosed at 45, their child should consider beginning screening at 35. A personal or family history of polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain hereditary syndromes like Lynch syndrome may also warrant earlier and more frequent screenings.

Early detection is key. When colon cancer is caught at an early stage, it is highly treatable—with a five-year survival rate of over 90%. Unfortunately, symptoms often do not appear until the disease has progressed, which is why proactive screening is so crucial.

In short, colonoscopy is not just a preventive tool—it can be a lifesaver. Understanding your risk, following the recommended screening schedule, and advocating for early screening when there is a family history can significantly reduce your chances of developing advanced colorectal cancer. If you’re nearing 45 or have a family history, talk to your healthcare provider about when to start screening.

To schedule your routine screening colonoscopy with Buffalo Medical Group, call 716-630-1405 to make an appointment.