For older colon cancer survivors, colonoscopies carry risks: study

By Kathryn Doyle NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – After age 75, recurrences of colon cancer are rare and the risks of repeated colonoscopies may outweigh the benefits, according to new research. “Our study was different in that we specifically examined patients that were undergoing surveillance examinations because of a previous history of colonic polyps or cancer,” said lead author Dr. An Hong Tran of Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center in California. “We found that recurrent colorectal cancer in this population was significantly less likely after age 75,” Tran said. “We also found that the risk of post-procedure hospitalization following a surveillance colonoscopy increased significantly after age 75 compared to younger patients, even after adjusting for the effects of chronic illnesses.” People with colorectal cancer or high-risk polyps usually undergo repeat colonoscopies every few years to make sure the disease hasn’t recurred.