When is it TIME to STOP Colon Cancer Screening?

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Have you been told its time to stop colon cancer screening? Or do you wonder if you really need another colonoscopy, and think its time to stop having a colonoscopy?
In this video, I discuss how we decide when it is time to stop colon cancer screening. First, its important to understand the goal of a colonoscopy - to prevent colon cancer. And that is done by removing polyps that may turn into colon cancer in the future. Second, I talk about when polyps may become cancer. Third, I explain why only having one colonoscopy isnt enough and if stool based colon cancer screening is ok. Fourth, I discuss how GI doctors determine how frequent your colonoscopies should be based on how many polyps or what type of polyps you have. Fifth, I eplain why someone would want to stop having colon cancer screening and what the guidlines state as a reasonable timeframe. Additionally, i talk about where the guidlines are not clear and how you and your doctor can explore when is the best time for you to stop screening. While a colonoscopy has many benefits, there are risks for people who have severe conditions and may not be the right choice for people with other comorbidities. So discuss these factors with your doctor!
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DISCLAIMER: While I am a Gastroenterologist, I am not acting as your Gastroenterologist. The information provided on this channel is intended to be general educational content and not directed towards any one individual. If you believe you have a medical condition that deserves attention please seek care from your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 911.

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30 сен 2024

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@EddieJazzFan 7 месяцев назад

My dad has his first colonoscopy at 88 years old and was diagnosed with colon cancer. I guess there is no way of telling how long he had it, but he was a heavy smoker. They wanted to do all sorts of surgery on him and he said NO! The doctor was surprised at his answer. So he had radiation and chemo and the huge tumor shrank down to nothing. He lived about six more years until the cancer show up again in his liver. But he did have a really healthy life for those last years without surgery.

@gstlb 7 месяцев назад

I’m not sure I’d choose radiation and chemo over surgery but I guess it would depend on what the surgery results would mean for my lifestyle. He seemed happy with his decision so that’s enough.

@fr0103 7 месяцев назад

@@gstlbStaying on point, my father had his first colonoscopy at 80 and they discovered stage 2 colon cancer, although it was still contained. He opted for surgery and they conducted a bowel resection and took about 6" out of him, removing the cancer. My father then refused follow-up with chemo and radiation treatments and the cancer returned 18 months later. He died from it (plus pneumonia) at 83 1/2. Typically, for the best results, colon cancer surgery includes both radiation and chemo treatments.

@kenb3552 7 месяцев назад

They radiated an 88 year old man?? WHAT??? That alone would usually be grounds for malpractice. The tissue of older people can't handle radiation - it basically causes tissue to whither and die. And you claim he lived another 6 years problem free??? I'm finding this hard to believe.

@swissmaid 7 месяцев назад

My dad's second wife had the surgery, about 6-8"" cut out. All went well, then she came home,died in bed that first night. Imagine my father, trying to cuddle her for good morning and she was stiff as a dodo.

@TravisMcGee151 7 месяцев назад

Radiation usually follows surgery to make sure the cancer is gone. Radiation is no big deal. Dying from colon cancer is a big deal. Each to their own.

@CancerChick0523 6 месяцев назад

I have stage 4 colon cancer. I was ONE year late for my colonoscopy and was diagnosed with stage 3b colon cancer at age 61. It then metastesized to my liver. Trust me everyone, as bad as the prep is, it is much worse to have colon cancer!

@MarkCooperMD 6 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing. Good luck with therapy. Are you receiving immunotherapy?

@CancerChick0523 6 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD Yes, I’m on Keytruda! I started treatment in August with mets to liver. My last PET scan showed the arrest of the mets to liver and scanty residual disease. I have Lynch syndrome. Feeling great now!

@sharonmassetti265 7 месяцев назад

For me the only bad thing is the prep the day before.

@earthwormscrawl 7 месяцев назад

I know, I was going to install a five-point harness on the toilet to prevent being blasted into orbit. The most important rule of survival during that phase is to never trust a fart. Be warned, it isn't a fart.

@scotsmanofnewengland7713 7 месяцев назад

I added some peach lemon ice tea crystals to the gallon of prep the morning before and refrigerated it. I was a little worried because of the color but after calling the VA they said it was alright to use that peach lemon ice tea since the color was a brown and not purple or red. All went well after the procedure.

@TheReal1953 7 месяцев назад

Yeah, about that. Seems like it's not so cut and try. On my last screening, I woke up with the surgeon wagging his finger at me about not being 'cleaned out enough'. I had done exactly as I was instructed. Seems like there was a hiccup with the pharmacist and the instructions. Now, the same GI nurse at the office is denying that....same one who told me about it originally. I'm getting a diagnostic procedure next month. Includes three days of fasting and BS. Oh boy......

@jc4evur661 6 месяцев назад

@@earthwormscrawl Thanks for the mental picture. Lol

@jonclassical2024 6 месяцев назад

I just don't get the issue...I LOVE to get CLEANED OUT...I feel sooooo good thereafter!!!!

@ayokay123 6 месяцев назад

Pressure from hospitals on gastroenterologists to bring home the bacon leads to many unnecessary colonoscopies. This doc is a breath of fresh air.

@alansach8437 20 дней назад

What is an "unnecessary " colonoscopy? Every five to ten years for screening isn't unreasonable. The nice thing about routine screening colonoscopies is that they can remove a polyp right there. No return visit or surgery needed. Sure, the prep is miserable, but not as miserable as cancer treatment.

@Patco11 6 месяцев назад

Had colonoscopy at age 52 and was diagnosed with colon cancer. Screening save my life and have been cancer free since.

@MarkCollins-k6x 2 месяца назад

I had my first colonoscopy at 59. They found 2 small polyps and a “flat polyp”. It was quite large at 20mm. I had it scraped and tested and was negative. They weren’t in a position to remove it during the colonoscopy….so I got it removed 1.5 months later. That was yesterday. From what I been reading a flat polyp is more prone to turn to cancer. So I’m glad I finally gave in and got the colonoscopy. Maybe saved me from colon cancer in the future.

@ManinderSingh-zn7mg 24 дня назад

@@MarkCollins-k6x I need more knowledge about colon cancer, my mother was diagnosed with cancer and is in the third stage, and the doctor is refusing to do surgery, could you advise some steps to take forward, what shall I do next.

@gstlb 7 месяцев назад

I had my last colonoscopy at 70, no polyps. The surgeon said he didn’t need to ever see me again 😊

@gavnonadoroge3092 7 месяцев назад

did your insurance drop you , or what?

@itsjustme7487 7 месяцев назад

My doctor said the same thing after removing several pre cancerous polyps. I had my first at 51 and had the procedure every 5 years since then. Now miraculously I don't need colonoscopies anymore.

@edie4321 7 месяцев назад

Yes, for some strange reason they do not do pap smears, cervical cancer checks after a woman reaches 46. Sounds like it's for profit only.

@gstlb 7 месяцев назад

@@gavnonadoroge3092 hah, no! Evidently colon cancer is slow and I’ve not had pre-cancerous polyps, so the doctors figure that even if I develop colon cancer, something else will kill me first 😏

@nccountry1412 7 месяцев назад

Surgeon? Surgeons don't do colonoscopy. Liar.

@joeyjamison5772 6 месяцев назад

I'm 75 and have undergone 6 colonoscopies. After the last one when I was 68, I asked the Dr. how many polyps has he ever removed from me. When he went over my records and replied "I've never removed any", I thought "I'm done with this".

@jjbud3124 6 месяцев назад

You've made the right decision.

@jjbud3124 6 месяцев назад

@@Louis_A640 He may have had a very strong family history of colon cancer. Or maybe the surgeon was scoping for money.

@joeyjamison5772 6 месяцев назад

@@Louis_A640 You drew a conclusion without getting all the facts. I had a serious peritonitis incident which is why the Dr. kept such a close eye on me in the first place. He told me I was at much higher risk for problems, but was not specific as to what it might be. This went on for 22 years. I'm 75 now.

@ctuna2011 6 месяцев назад

Well I am of a similar age and have had about that number and have had about 4 first two at the beginning and two more last time though they where small.

@edie4321 4 месяца назад

If it aint broke, don't let them in to break it. Mammograms cause cancer, and are not effective in truly determining it. I do not understand why anyone over 50, or any age actually, trust that profession, at all, anymore.

@joebidendidthat5121 2 месяца назад

First colonoscopy was about age 52. I had one polyp. The doctor said it was the largest he’d ever seen in his career…. As big as his thumb. Pathology should positive for cancer in the cap but luckily it had not spread down the stalk yet and into the colon wall. He said it was a lifesaving procedure for me. He said about 6 month later I would have had to have a portion of my colon removed. I will encourage everyone to get a colonoscopy at 45 and every 5 years minimum! The prep is really not all that bad.

@ponder889 7 месяцев назад

I am 70 and decided no matter what the risk I’ll will not have anymore colonoscopy’s. The prep is so medieval.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

If you’ve had no concerning lesions to date then I don’t think this is severely ill advised. Not what I’d want for a sibling but not something I’d nag them about either.

@vietnamvet4533 7 месяцев назад

Yea and how about that tube in your keister what would you call that?

@meagainandagain5756 7 месяцев назад

@@vietnamvet4533A brief inconvenience. … I think cancer is worse!

@76TomD 7 месяцев назад

Some of the new prep is much improved. Suprep doesn't taste bad and can be mixed with sprite.

@WyomingGuy876 7 месяцев назад

Cologuard requires no prop

@llaffallott 7 месяцев назад

I was hoping for a better discussion of risks. A physician friend said he will not get a colonoscopy because of the risks, and that he knows other physicians who feel the same way.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Other videos. We have to keep them a reasonable length. Your physician friends sound like they’re making an emotional decision out of fear. Which is perfectly fine. But they do a disservice by casting their view as a better understanding of risks.

@curbozerboomer1773 6 месяцев назад

The risk factor is very low! I mean, ANY invasive procedure can go bad, but if any complications develop, you will have doctors right there to help you. That is how I see any invasive procedure...I have had four such procedures, dealing with heart issues. My attitude is, if you are in the hands of a good doctor--but die anyway--then that is just your fate, so accept that which you cannot control!

@d.e.b.b5788 6 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD My mother went in for a 'routine' colonoscopy, they somehow punctured the bowel, she went septic, and was in and out of the ICU with frequent trips to the OR to rise out the peritoneum. She almost died. Lost 70 pounds.( she's 5'10" and weighed 160+ when she went in). Might not happen to everyone, but it only takes ONE to scare the crap out of us.

@tpresti7260 6 месяцев назад

Exactly... people think there are NO risks, but there are. Also, I once read, those instruments they never get cleaned 100%. It's hard to get into all those nooks and crannies.

@deborahemielita5949 6 месяцев назад

I appreciate the discussion. I’m going for a colonoscopy because I had a bleed, probably hemorrhoids and not worrisome but my primary care doctor recommended I go. I’ve had one polyp on my first one and no polyps on my last one. No family history of colon cancer and I eat a lot of vegetables and fruits in my diet. So maybe I don’t need to go at all? I’ve also read there are controlled studies showing that a low residue diet for the prep would work just as well as the liquid diet, any thoughts on that? It’s pretty Juki ( white bread or rice, eggs, dairy that i can not eat, but still better than only liquids. I’m doing the liquid preparation anyway with a partial day before on the low residue diet, because that’s what doctor wants. Even worse than a liquid diet, the kit prep is 6 Pm and 2 am before the procedure! I am also having coughing due to sinus congestion due to allergy season is in full swing but will proceed with the preparation!

@sharonsalzberg2654 7 месяцев назад

Had two at 50 and 55. No polyps or family history of colon cancer. Could not tolerate the fasting and prep and at 73 am super healthy with all systems functioning normally. My decision.

@curbozerboomer1773 6 месяцев назад

I guess your tolerance level is very low!

@sharonsalzberg2654 6 месяцев назад

@@curbozerboomer1773 I almost passed out from the fasting due to a sharp drop in my blood sugar. I will never get this test again. I feel very safe rolling the dice on colon cancer. My body, my choice, my life.

@HappyLife-wv5ms 6 месяцев назад

And the risk of anesthesia and bowel perforation…..I agree with you! I just do random stool guaiac testing. This is the old standard testing. Sometimes new is not better.

@susangrande8142 6 месяцев назад

@@HappyLife-wv5msI’m 65; have had 3 colonoscopies in my life. My grandmother, who smoked and had a terrible diet, died of colon cancer in about 1980 at age 65 or so. I’ve had a few polyps removed. I HATE the prep, and last prep time got dehydrated with headache, and threw up in the pre-op room. (The tech/nurse didn’t believe me when I said I was going to throw up.) I’m leery of not only the risk of bowel perforation, but also the possible infection with the ‘scope, and the damage removing all my colon’s intestinal flora does. I’ve cleaned up my diet a lot in the last year, (it’s now very low carb, under 10 grams carbs each day) and I’m okay with putting off or maybe even not ever getting another colonoscopy in my life.

@dads88 6 месяцев назад

p@@susangrande8142

@margotconway8605 7 месяцев назад

The prep is terrible. I have a friend who in the middle of god awful prep walked into the bathroom feeling weak. She fainted and hit her head on the sink. She needed stiches. My poor friend was lucky she didn't fracture her skull. I can't deal with the prep anymore either. It's dangerous

@LS-ei7xk 7 месяцев назад

That's how I feel, too. I'd have it done in hospital-- if necessary, but of course my insurance wouldn't pay for that. And nowadays, ppl pick up horrible diseases in hospitals, too. Also, they are so short staffed, I could hit my head on the sink there, and no one would ever know. I speak from experience being in hospital for other reasons.

@rogerphelps9939 6 месяцев назад

Prep is really easy and not a problem at all. It only lasts a few days antway.

@jjbud3124 6 месяцев назад

@@rogerphelps9939 Not easy. A good prep does two things. It entirely empties your GI tract and it causes dehydration. Dehydration can make you lightheaded and can be dangerous to a fragile person.

@billh.5360 6 месяцев назад

@@rogerphelps9939 No, the prep is not "really easy and no problem at all." No one likes the prep. If you didn't have any trouble with it, I am glad for you. But I had some trouble. I took Suprep ten years ago. If I do get another colonoscopy I will not take Suprep!! The second day I had trouble drinking it. My body rejected it and I vomited. It was essentially just water, but still, not pleasant. Fasting wasn't a big deal. Just over a day of fasting. The actual procedure was a breeze. I believe most people probably don't get sick with the prep. Best piece of advice I got with the prep. Once you start drinking the solution to clean out your colon: If you feel like you're going to pass gas, DO NOT assume you're just going to pass gas!

@eddihaskell 6 месяцев назад

My doctor put me on a "light" prep- Miralax and some tablets. It really was not that bad. I did not have horrible cramps, and tolerated it. It was much better than earlier preps which gave me horrible stomach aches for a week.

@Nancy-cm1rh 7 месяцев назад

Thank you for explaining this in a low tone voice !!!!!. 🎉❤

@zeon5323 7 месяцев назад

I'll never have another. I had a colonoscopy in 2006 at age 55 and have still not recovered!

@tarasmith102 7 месяцев назад

O my gosh. That's awful. I do hope you recover. Must be things that can help you. Keep trying new things to help u heal. For example CBD oil. Perhaps some other things. Good luck.

@curbozerboomer1773 6 месяцев назад

Not enough info to make any sense of what you say.

@montanagal6958 6 месяцев назад

I had a colonoscopy and asked for ativan from the anesthesiologist because I was afraid, I watched him withdrawal the ativan from the pixis and put it in his pocket, never gave it to me.

@tarasmith102 6 месяцев назад

@@montanagal6958 OMG ! Hope you tried to report it ! Too bad your blood couldn't have been tested ( by a different lab ) to show you had no trace of it in your system ! If it would've showed , IDK if that shows up as some things don't .

@EmdrGreg 18 дней назад

In 18 years you haven't recovered? Either the procedure was badly botched, or something else is going on. In general, they're just not that bad. I hope you've gotten good medical care since then.

@kathrinlancelle3304 7 месяцев назад

I had one and that was enough. What a horrific experience.

@johnbelt5204 6 месяцев назад

I agree it is not pleasant, however, I would rather deal with the few days of discomfort to avoid a horrific, lingering death that shortens my life significantly.....

@ES-mc3cc 6 месяцев назад

Eat a lot of vegetables and fruit the day before the day before and you will get emptied out quickly!

@carollewis3912 6 месяцев назад

The drink is not horrific anymore. You can now take Miralax. No bad taste.

@cherylcooper2838 6 месяцев назад

cancer would be worse and not for just 1 day.

@rodgraff1782 6 месяцев назад

Would you rather die? It’s not bad at all to sit on the toilet for a few hours during the night before.

@martinatherton7739 7 месяцев назад

I’d rather die than going through another “clean out” and colonoscopy. Sorry, that’s just me. I’m a wimp

@jogordon1530 6 месяцев назад

Your not a wimp! It’s a horrific experience no matter who you are or your age! I’ve tried twice and ended up in the ER as a result due to the prep!

@davidh9844 7 месяцев назад

Excellent, excellent report. I am a retired 74 year old Internist in great health with a lousy family history of colon cancer. I think the most important point here is that you do yourself a disservice by not talking to your DOCTOR about colonoscopy. Not a Physician Assistant. Not a Nurse Practitioner. And god knows, not a Chiropractor. A real, trained doctor! Both of my father's parents had colo-rectal cancers in the mid 1950s. They survive and died of cardiac disease. My father had both thyroid cancer and died of lung cancer. Neither he nor his sisters and bother had colon cancer. My then 49 year old brother had a lemon sized, malignant polyp removed from his colon. He's still alive and kicking. Me? First colonoscopy like a good boy age 51 (the age 45 recommendation came later, and that is super important if you are Black. Colo-rectal cancer DOES discriminate and has no intentions of stopping.) I had 2 millimeter sized flat polyps. Because of my brother's history, we repeated my study after 5 years. Clean. I got busy, covid showed up, and I had no desire to do the prep. I did a genetic stool analysis at 10 years. Clean. Medical allows a repeat test after 3 years. It came back positive - whatever that means. I repeated the full colonoscopy, more than 20 years after my initial, essentially unremarkable baseline screening. The stool screening test turned out to be a false positive - still no polyps or malignancies in my gut. And my doctor wants to repeat it in 5 years. In 5 years, if I'm still alive, I'll consider it, but almost certainly won't go through with it. I am more worried about general anesthesia and the risk of intestinal perforation/puncture from the procedure than I am of the findings. Decisions need to be made, but they need to be good, rational decisions!

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching. The cologuard doesn’t add much over the FIT. Stool DNA markers aren’t highly reliable and considerably more expensive vs. FIT test. FIT is actually a part of the cologuard anyway and very often it’s the FIT portion that’s positive - so you effectively paid $600 for a drug store test. You seem to have dodged your brothers fate (and thankfully your brother dodged his own fate as well).

@davidh9844 7 месяцев назад

I'm now working on getting his kids screened over the next few years. Oldest daughter just turned 40, making her 1 year late for her early screening. His son is due next year, and younger daughter in about 4 years. We urge the children to get screened at an age 10 years younger that the parent was at the time of diagnosis. My parents insisted to their deathbeds that I was not adopted. I told them for years that it was okay that I was, it doesn't bother me. If I weren't adopted, then babies had to have been switched before I was taken home. Dr H, MD, IM@@MarkCooperMD

@User-cc6cq 7 месяцев назад

Thank you!

@grandma460 6 месяцев назад

Hi there. Nurse here, old one haha. 60. You don’t have to have the anesthesia. They commonly do it without meds in Europe I have read. I got the IV in case I tapped out ;) but procedure went okay. Glad I didn’t use meds (I like to be in control of my mind). A bit uncomfortable at splenic and hepatic bends/flexure but definitely will do that way again next round. Hop of the table… can drive yourself home :) that’s pretty sweet. And (!) they have to go slower so I think a lower chance of perforation maybe 🤔. Take care

@davidh9844 5 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD Happy to report in both instances, insurance covered the full cost of the tests. The fact that I received a report that read "Positive", but not what that positive meant means I won't be repeating the cologuard, free or otherwise.

@sgrant39 7 месяцев назад

Well done. Also the prep would kill an eighty-year-old sooner than a polyp. 😢

@ehrlichlanierc7429 6 месяцев назад

Not So! 81 now, have my prep, not hard to do at all! Don’t be afraid and have faith God will get you thru, or you wouldn’t be alive……

@suetipping4841 7 месяцев назад

The mere idea at 77 that I do the prep for a colonoscopy is mind blowing. I refuse to do it anymore because A: I will have sh*t from one end of my apartment to the bathroom and B; I guess I would prefer not to '"bleed out" like two women know did.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Bleed out?

@suetipping4841 7 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD Neighbor, Retired RN, began bleeding after colonoscopy when she came home; called rescue squad and laid by front door; waiting to die. Squad took her to hospital, where she spent two weeks recovering.. She is over 70 now. I will not have one at 77.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Sorry that occurred. It’s highly unusual that a bleed from polyp removal be that dramatic. From training and practice in high volume medical centers this is about a once a year event-so I’d estimate 1:10,000. Which I’ll add I never saw anyone have to be in the hospital that long. This type of case is why I think we as GI docs need to be sensible about who we scope.

@suetipping4841 7 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD Thank you for respinding. I agree that it must be unusual, but two women I know have had this happen. I do know that doctors do their very best in test recommendation and I am very happy with my family doctor.

@rogerphelps9939 6 месяцев назад

It is super easy and not a problem.

@nancymurray9033 7 месяцев назад

I am 84, my Dr. told me she didn’t want to see me anymore at 75. I have several polyps that were removed that were the kinds that cause cancer. Both of my parents had colon cancer, an uncle and a grandmother had stomach cancer. I am now having concerning symptoms. I often questioned why my wellness check wants me to keep having mammograms but totally ignore the risk I had for colon cancer. Especially now!! 😮

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

What you describe is a case I would typically recommend continued screening. First degree relatives with cancer and a personal history of having polyps. Thankfully they grow slowly enough that I’m hopeful you would not having anything serious and removing polyps at this time would still be preventative. Past 85 I think the risks start to become greater than the likely benefit even for patients with fairly high risk (presuming they otherwise kept up with screening). In summary - consider getting one more scope for prevention and peace of mind.

@jewel1953 7 месяцев назад

I feel your pain and concern. Because of your history like mine I would continue to have them if anything just for your peace of mind. Find a dr. that will do it for you. I had my dad die from colon cancer and my mom from breast cancer. It is scary when you know your history. I think you are wise willing to still pursue it. I wish you the best.

@Hippy2021 7 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD You can reverse what called Gene. You can control your life. The diseases carried by ancestors and parents throughout the family came from ignorance. Decades ago a lot of things we don't know and that affects our health and longevity. Don't blame on Gene. Women in my family mother side didn't live pass 60, died of cancer, breast, oral, pancreatitis cancer. Because they didn't know. Technology did not exist and knowledge on science was very limited. Men in the family were heavy smokers and smoked in the house while holding their babies on their lap. People cooked with granola and vegetables oils thinking it's healthy. My mom added sugar in every single food, a pack of 100 pounds table sugar finished in a month or less! Am not exaggerating. She ended up with diabetes that lead to complications as pancreatitis cancer. She was a pharmacist. With all those terrible mistakes we cannot blame on Gene. My father side almost everyone passed with stroke or heart attack, eating junk or wrong food. No exercise but sitting together arguing on politics. I know where I came from. I put more time researching the best to improve my existence. We may make mistakes sometimes, of course we all do, but the more we know the better we live.

@goedelite 7 месяцев назад

My case was the antipode of yours. Best wishes and good luck!

@mikethompson3534 7 месяцев назад

It’s time to find another doctor

@scottjohnson676 7 месяцев назад

I'm 68, never had a colonoscopy. I'll wait till there's a less archaic method.

@robinshaul4069 7 месяцев назад

Me too

@garybateman6869 7 месяцев назад

Me three

@JimAllen-Persona 7 месяцев назад

You’re missing out on the best sleep you’ll ever have. Live in Canada, I was surprised to find that they recommend a series of stool samples instead of a Colonscopy at age 50.

@greg33770 7 месяцев назад

I'm 68...never had it also....

@447L 6 месяцев назад

I said that when I was 50 years old then when I turned 60 I had my first colonoscopy and if you fast a few days before taking the prep stuff it’s not that bad next week I’m having my second one I’m 70 now

@marytheresa5621 7 месяцев назад

My mother had her last colonoscopy at 70 and was told to come back at 75. She never did and was diagnosed stage 4 colon cancer at 80. She was healthy and vibrant in every other aspect, but we lost her. I am now 65 and have had 3 so far with my 4th coming this year. I refuse to make the same mistake.

@StevenBanks123 7 месяцев назад

My experiences with colonoscopy have been fairly easy. 76 y.o. with the next one due in 2 years. I will go ahead even though no history and no previous polyps. I eat nothing starting 2 days before and therefore drink much less of the nasty liquid chilled and with lemon added AND with a long straw that goes past my tongue. I ask for minimum sedation and I am up an at'em for a hearty lunch an hour later. This is just me. Lucky, I guess.

@Jimfundercover2 7 месяцев назад

I was 78 YO on my last colonoscopy. My last three tests showed nothing. My doctor said I can stop if I want to as I would probably die of old age before I developed cancer.

@donnanelson9181 7 месяцев назад

I had my first colonoscopy at the age of 65. I had one benign polyp. No colon cancer in my family. I am extremely healthy. I not only eat a high fiber diet, but I take supplemental fiber and have for 30 years. I don’t eat meat or drink or smoke. And I will not have another colonoscopy even though my doctor mentions it every time I see him. I believe he has to to cover his butt. So I tell him to note in my chart that he suggested it and to also note in his chart that I refused it. I’m 73 now. I’m done with that.

@edie4321 7 месяцев назад

I will not participate in cancer screenings. I don't believe in looking for trouble. Plus, it's scary how much they push the tests. So I am assuming the tests are like the c ones and come contaminated with cancer causing ingredients. I find I stay much healthier staying away from doctors. Seven years now and at age 64, I've never been healthier. No prescription drugs are why. I gave those up and miracles followed.

@kerrynight3271 6 месяцев назад

I liked your comment. I'm 72 and live the healthiest possible life. My one colonoscopy at 54 found no polyps. I listen to my doctor's spiel about mammograms and colonoscopies every year and every year I refuse. When my body decides to kill me, I plan to die. Living to extreme old age holds no attractions for me. Meanwhile, I continue exercising and eating a whole food plant based diet. I wish you the best.

@pch1147 7 месяцев назад

A very informative podcast. Thank you very much.

@nmmorin3509 Год назад

Super Merci Dr Cooper, after having seeing you on RU-vid & hear your reassuring voice & your knowledge, I had my first colonoscopy today; everything was a wonderful journey, Dr Sohi was wonderful & all the other medical 😇 assisting, back home a few hours later, fear and apprehension replaced by a warm well-being Merci Dr Cooper❤Your series of RU-vid videos help me in overcoming my fears Bravo🎉you’re 😇

@MarkCooperMD Год назад

I’m glad it was helpful to you! Thanks for sharing.

@wataboutya9310 7 месяцев назад

I have heard it said many times here in America that colonoscopies are the goose that laid the golden egg for gastroenterologists

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Yes in America it’s consistent across all industries that if you do something of immense value it tends to be rewarded commensurate with the value created.

@timx9661 7 месяцев назад

Cancer is the golden goose for oncologists.

@Support_Ad_Blocker 6 месяцев назад

wataboutya9310 When I went for mine it was like an assembly line only instead of “standing room only,” it was “lying on a gurney room only.”

@pintsizestories196 7 месяцев назад

Really well explained. I'm glad he mentioned that there are some risks to a colonoscopy as well so that's part of the decision process. My husband had some polyps taken off over the years and I am very glad he had the colonoscopies because he is unlikely now to get colon cancer.

@Rendog2 7 месяцев назад

I don't remember him mentioning risks although he did say something about (age-related) comorbidities. I am 70 and am going to take my chances and forego a colonoscopy (yes, against professional advice). I'm going to gamble the odds. I am immuno-compromised, and had a bad case of c.diff many years ago (following a sigmoidoscopy, curiously, which may have been co-incidental) which nearly killed me. Yes, I run the occult blood test every two years, and yes, I realize that by the time they should find blood it's probably too late (for a colonoscopy). But I am afraid a colonoscopy (and I'm referring to the prep procedure and the post-restoration, not just the colonoscopy--the "snaking"--itself) would ultimately kill me. I've got a sensitive gut and believe I could never restore the flora and fauna balance back right, even if there were no complications from the scope.

@LS-ei7xk 7 месяцев назад

@@Rendog2 I hear you! After my last one, I couldn't "go" for a week, and I think he damaged the nerves down there (without going into a lot of sordid details). Plus, I had a major anxiety attack over the prep. And he still said I wasn't cleaned out enough. Then I had sigmoidoscopy; just about as bad (and not "clean" enough). I've had enough of docs looking up my rear end! The sleep was good the first time, but the second time, I felt irritable and depressed. I know I already have blood down there, but it's from hemorrhoids, and I've had that for 25 years, or so. If it's something else, I don't want to know, at this point. I have so many other things wrong with me, I'd rather just make a Will, and die. Not really, but that's how strongly I feel over such invasive techniques.

@bobboscarato1313 7 месяцев назад

Sometimes the walls o the colon can be accidentally perforated. Guess they get thinner with age.

@greg33770 7 месяцев назад

I'm 68, don't drink or smoke, don't eat the food groups everyone says you should eat, and I don't fix something that ain't broke....never had one, don't have annual physicals either, never ever had a flu shot, never ever had a covid shot either.....not even the sniffles....

@jeffnpat 6 месяцев назад

As my wife says, lucky not smart

@jogordon1530 6 месяцев назад

I’d like to have your gene pool !!

@rogerphelps9939 6 месяцев назад

You will come a cropper and then regret it. As far as never having had flue or covid jabs thatt is being really antisocial and irredponsible. I suppost yo ulisten to the likes of Trump. You opught to be ashamed of yourself.

@HeatherCampbell-kc7fx 6 месяцев назад

My mom is 88 and has never had a colonoscopy. So far, no health issues!

@darrylcullen2409 6 месяцев назад

My Dad lived to 91 and was never hit by a bus.

@SFreedberg1 5 месяцев назад

You have my sense of humor lol@@darrylcullen2409

@antohong 7 дней назад

Very good answer😅@@darrylcullen2409

@martinatherton7739 7 месяцев назад

Docs like this LOVE making unit risk assessments as a tool to guide patient behavior. It’s total BS. The evidence of colon cancer and associated risks comes from POPULATION based research, not CLINICAL evidence. Arguing, like this guy does, from the general to the SPECIFIC is considered the reductionist fallacy, and error prone. And it’s BS. No offense, Dr. Who, but stick to instruments and not advice based on faulty reasoning.

@gogreen7794 7 месяцев назад

There's always an "expert" who thinks he has more knowledge than an actual expert.

@hagbard72 7 месяцев назад

Never had a colonoscopy, did have a barium enema at forty. Found no polyps. Now 66, get yearly faecal blood tests, always negative. Wife is a GP, she thinks that's enough, don't really need a colonoscopy, and I'm highly resistant to it

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Yearly FIT is reasonable. Based on spelling and use of term GP I will guess you’re in UK?

@beckyhobson3283 6 месяцев назад

67 - Never having a another one.

@MarkCooperMD 6 месяцев назад

If you’ve had mundane results on prior screening this is a sensible age to stop screening as you’re fairly unlikely to have a problem in the future

@mitchellbarnow1709 Год назад

Hello Dr Cooper! I’m afraid that I’m going to need a colonoscopy at least once per year up until the last year of my life. My Lynch Syndrome has turned me into a polyp growing machine with dysplasia cells as well!

@mzmscoyote 7 месяцев назад

My doc said I could stop at 75. Good thing because I almost bonked my head passing out during prep. I knew I could never do the prep again.

@TaylorZ2 7 месяцев назад

Dr. Cooper is great! He's so on point and speaks in an easy, convincing, understanding way that a non doctor can understand. I wish he was my GI doctor. I do wish "older person" was better defined though, like what age range is a colonoscopy no longer beneficial

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

It depends on overall health and estimate of longevity. Which is not a well defined concept and very individual. Thanks for watching!

@brucetaylor6107 6 месяцев назад

When you see brain tissue in the toilet bowl, you know your prep is complete.

@keariewashburn4680 6 месяцев назад

😂😂😂😂@@brucetaylor6107

@jjbud3124 6 месяцев назад

@@brucetaylor6107 That comment WINS!!!!

@jogordon1530 6 месяцев назад

I’ve tried twice to get a colonoscopy done. Both times I have gotten violently sick off the shit you have to drink down! I’ve gotten to the facility only to be so sick I’ve had to be rushed to the hospital! So let me know how I can get one done without having to drink that nasty crap which gives you the shits in the first place?!

@MarkCooperMD 6 месяцев назад

There’s not a way around the fact that we have to clean you out to peer into the abyss. Some prep is easier however. I’ll do some videos on prep here soon.

@go4broke407 7 месяцев назад

Medieval torture helping doctors buy yachts. I once told a woman imagine a doctor doing 7 biopsies in your breasts hoping to hit a tumor…..without anesthesia. Truly a pain in the azz

@go4broke407 7 месяцев назад

My bad…. Thought we were talking about prostate

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

As a doctor I know 100s. None own a yacht. Some do own a fishing boat.

@junbug1029 7 месяцев назад

What about a virtual CT colonoscopy?

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

It’s less reliable for detecting lesions and if detected you’d still need a colonoscopy to do anything about it. The use of these is phasing out as radiologists don’t perform them consistently enough. So I expect when a CT colonography is performed in the community it is even less reliable.

@BunE22 7 месяцев назад

My dad died at 79 from colon cancer, as did his dad. I have routinely gotten checked since I was about 45 years old. I never had polyps, though my brothers have. But once the gastroenterologist removed "white spots" from my colon wall. He said they may not have turned into polyps, but he removed them because they don't belong there. My mother died at 92 from Parkinson's and Lewy Body dementia. During a hospital stay near the end, the doctor told me that my mom had blood in her stool. I wanted to know if she wound up with colon cancer too, but since she was in no condition to treat it, the doctor didn't want to test further. So I may have it on my mother's side also. I guess that means I should continue testing into my 80s, correct?

@diannespalding6542 7 месяцев назад

I’m 77 and asked my doctor about a colonoscopy. I’ve never had one. Easier procedure now so thought I should have one. My doctor said that, because I have no family history, no symptoms and I do the home tests, I don’t require one. I was surprised.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

I would tend to oblige a patient who wants one irregardless of age (presuming reasonably healthy) or prior home tests. Home tests are somewhat accurate and only exclude cancer at that point in time. They are poor predictions of your future risks and do nothing to prevent cancer.

@alansach8437 7 месяцев назад

He isn't a doctor of literature. Give him a break!

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Actually either is acceptable. Regardless is more formal and proper for sure though. A part of my practice when on call in the ER is to help remove things placed in inappropriate orifices. If you need help with that stick, let me know. Sounds like it’s pretty far up there, but that’s what we have the long gloves for.

@bac9346 5 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD 😂😂😂

@boblossie3192 7 месяцев назад

Very well laid out. I'm 67 and have never had issues with polyps. However, colon cancer runs high on BOTH sides of my family. For that reason, I started getting colonoscopies in my early 40's. The doctor told me he wishes he could find a 12 year old with a colon as clear as mine. I'm the only one in my family that has a VERY clean diet with lots of raw fruits and veggies. Same goes with blood pressure issues on both sides of the family for the 3 generations, most of which take BP medication. I don't need them because I don't eat processed food. BUT I still plan to have colonoscopies because of the family history. What Dr. Cooper has done for me is make me feel more relaxed that I'm not likely to have a problem in the future.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

thanks for watching!! glad the video made sense!

@curbozerboomer1773 6 месяцев назад

Stop bragging, please!

@ashs1992 Месяц назад

How many years should be tested?

@boblossie3192 27 дней назад

@@ashs1992 I'm going to chose to be tested every 3 to 4 years.

@ashs1992 27 дней назад

@@boblossie3192 k is it painful test

@imtired20 7 месяцев назад

I am under the VA health care. I'm 76 years old. I've had a colonoscopy probably every 3 or 4 years since 1995. Every time they have found polyps, cut them out and then said they were not the kind that would turn cancerous. The last time I went to the VA they said they got me to 75 so they are not going to worry about that anymore. I guess this video clarifies that thinking.

@ridinsolo8052 Год назад

I welcome this “wonderful” experience others seem to have…I have NEVER had a wonderful experience having a colonoscopy! 😞

@Ron4885 7 месяцев назад

I've had 2 so far and might have another next year (at least my doctor has it listed for 'things to do' in 2025). I was always asleep for them, so I didn't mind. But I hate all that prep drinking that nasty liquid. But I do it. 😒

@seascape35 7 месяцев назад

@@Ron4885 For me, the prep was far worse than the procedure itself!

@dogsarefun2 7 месяцев назад

Profanol keeps me coming back for more!

@Ron4885 7 месяцев назад

@@dogsarefun2 😉

@LaraSierra28 7 месяцев назад

I almost needed a trip to the ER from the prep alone. Never again.

@Jean-c7i 6 месяцев назад

My mom was 93 and never had one. She died of old age.

@alabamatrixie7379 7 месяцев назад

I feel that patients should have a say in choice of prep drinks. I didn't want a gallon of whatever and i was offered SuPrep. I was able to drink it all within a few minutes with immediate results. I also heard horror stories of folks still 'going' the next day right up until their appointment. I decided to take a dose of immodium after i was thoroughly 'cleaned out' and i had zero issues the day of my appointment. For anyone reading this, please know that im just sharing my personal story and my dr was informed of my plan and approved. Always check with your doctor and do your own research for any procedure. PS ...the procedure is absolutely nothing to fear. Good luck to everyone

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

I agree. The cost of different preps can be considerable. One approach is to get a prescription prep and if you find it is too expensive complete the miralax prep. These options will usually provide a satisfactory prep, unless you have a problem with constipation.

@LS-ei7xk 7 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD So what do you do if you have a problem with constipation? I know I wasn't finished up to the time I was scheduled, and almost went in the car. It was very embarrassing... then doc said I wasn't cleaned out enough! But I followed instructions.

@fishgutz4272 6 месяцев назад

My father died at 61 from an aggressive form of colon cancer. He had always had the regular evenings. No signs. One day he was putting on his seat belt and felt pain in his neck as the belt brushed a lump. The lump was malignant and secondary. The cancer had already metastasized. Stage 4 colon cancer. He died 7 months after diagnosis. My last two scopes found polyps with abnormal cells. They were not yet precancerous. But they were the type that will grow to cancer if not removed. Our son is at higher risk because he also has crohns and is a Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor. He has had more colonoscopies than I have.

@donnacolwell3988 7 месяцев назад

I have a family history of colon cancer - maternal grandmother and uncle. I've been screened twice (age 57) and had polyps both times. I'll have another colonoscopy this fall. The doctor told me that I didn't get a good prep the last time, even though I followed the instructions to the letter. It certainly seemed on my end that all was clear. What do you think is the most effective prep method? I was prescribed two bottles of concentrate to mix with liquid and take several hours apart. It was very expensive, and I was quite disappointed it did work as it should have.

@BobDeGuerre Месяц назад

I'm a feral/autistic gen-Xer who lives alone by choice, less than 100 yards from the hospital & I have the "redhead gene" that makes me almost impossible to keep sedated. I also don't drive (too expensive). *EVERY* time I've had a major surgery, (3 so far) I've awakened *before* they've wheeled me out of theatre (much to the surprise & disbelief of everybody in the room) & am alert & oriented from that moment on. They've known all this about me for 30+ years. 14 years of hospital-cancelled appointments later I'm yet to have the procedure because my closest family is 150+ miles away & 99% of my friends moved hundreds of miles away in the 40+ years I've known them. Last spring I arranged for my boss to swing by & pick me up after work to take me home because we'd both be done around the same time, but they said he *had* to come in & wait for me there while I got it done. I told them he was at work until 3pm. So they cancelled my 2pm appt. I have no next of kin, no emergency contacts, a dnr on file, & am more than willing to sign any waiver they put in front of me. They could *literally* light me on fire & throw me off the roof & be absolutely judgement-proof. But no. They gotta turn it into a popularity contest. To heck with it. The next time my gp brings it up, I'm telling him "I'm in the control group".😂

@sydporter2873 Год назад

Is it dangerous or risky for a 75 year old to have the anesthesia during a colonoscopy?

@MarkCooperMD Год назад

Being 75 is not itself an especially high risk for anesthesia. It’s more significant if you have heart and lung disease, especially those that limit your day to day activities.

@cherylcarlson3315 7 месяцев назад

At normal colonoscopy where had deep desats and super weakness from anesthesia. Since am triple seronegative MG need bipap when laying down,cane when walking Gastro disregarded concerns about prep and mestinon interaction,then said I could do mag citrate.... completely contraindicated in MG. Never went back to him. Must understand all disease process or you can kill me with a screening

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing. We had a lot of Neuro patients in training being at a major center but I now see these kind of disease processes much less often. Appreciate the refresher.

@jjmack8233 7 месяцев назад

Thank you for your video. I hope people will get their colonoscopy, it’s a lifesaver. I lost a grandmother, two uncles, two aunts, they were dads siblings to colon cancer. My father had sigmoid and contrast colon X-ray. The Dr removed several polyps from dad, some were cancer. Dr said dad’s colon was carpeted with polyps. They removed dad’s colon, he was 39 years old. Dad and mom insisted my brother, my sister and I get checked. My 18 year old brother was worse than dad, I was clean and so was my sister. For years I got that miserable sigmoid and contrast X-ray and in my lifetime only one benign polyp was found, I’m 72 now. Dad had 6 inches of colon remaining same as my brother. For years the Dr was removing new polyps from my dad and my brother with some being malignant and some not. They were going through that procedure every 6 months. My brother stopped going, I don’t know why but he died of colon cancer when he was 53. Dad never gave up, he was going back every 3 months and the Dr was still removing new polyps, some cancer, some not. My sister did have her colon removed when she was 39 after the Dr said she had too many polyps to count and half he removed were cancer. I know this is a lot to say but what I know for a fact is, some polyps don’t need time to grow into cancer. The colonoscopy was a godsend to me. That sigmoid and that contrast colon is one miserable way to check a person.

@annreddy5020 Месяц назад

Because I'm over eighty I can't have a colonoscopy in Ireland. I have had cancer of the rectum and have a stoma. Had a stool test which was positive for blood. What can I do ?

@annreddy5020 Месяц назад

5:11 5:11

@jerrymylove1754 Год назад

I had mine today in Malaysia. It was ridiculously easy and I got a recording of it after. The doctor removed one polyp and there was a lot of foam in there. I woke up towards the end of it and didn’t have any pain or side effects. It was super easy and I have no fear of it in the future. He said to do another one in five years. I am 44 now. He gave me some medicine called meteospasmyl for bloating. It still doesn’t explain why I eat a lot and don’t go to the bathroom hardly. He was saying that it’s because my colon isn’t contracting and moving the excretory along. Overall, a very positive experience.

@MarkCooperMD Год назад

Thanks for sharing!

@edie4321 7 месяцев назад

Positive experience???

@patriciapendlbury2603 7 месяцев назад

Your parastalses action is sluggish. Try a digestive enzyme and pineapple is good for that

@Bossy933 6 месяцев назад

Hello I was reading ur message it's almost like me I don't hardly go either my colon is obstruction Dr said my colon isn't working well anymore but I gotta start thinking about removing part of my colon because of this I'm always bloated and swollen stomach constantly but didn't get surgery yet scared as heck Dr said if I get the surgery I'll be wearing a bag 😭😭😭 Im 55 years old plus central obstruction sleep apnea and adema swelling legs blind one eye asthma tumors and the list goes on 😢 just wanted to leave message didn't mean to bother you apologize just that caught my eye when I saw your message because you almost simler like me. You have a great day and night

@AmericanConstellation 7 месяцев назад

Everyone wants to live forever. Good luck!

@kerrynight3271 6 месяцев назад

Not me! I want to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible through exercise and a healthy diet. When my body decides to fail me, I'm ready to go.

@bakkwa8705 7 месяцев назад

I had a colonoscopy done mid last year and they removed 7 polyps , out of which 2 was pre-cancerous . When should I go for my next colonoscopy ? Keeping in mind I just had radiation for my stage 4 Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma in my nasal area early last year . Should I do it yearly as I might be high risks ? I forgot to mention I am 60 years old . Can anyone help me please ?!

@TheGweedMan 7 месяцев назад

Unfortunately people are still dying from colon cancer. All they had to do was have a colonoscopy and they probably would have lived. The results of my last colonoscopy were zero polyps. I don't mind the colonoscopy; I still hate the prep.

@christine6059 6 месяцев назад

I’m 75 with a history of polyps. I stopped having colonoscopies because I have no one to drive me and sit in the waiting room. Ubers aren’t allowed. I live in a backward town that doesn’t even have services that supply paid drivers.

@autumnmoonfire3944 7 месяцев назад

I think the biggest problem with noninvasive screening has to do with how insurance pays for it. I was told that if I did the noninvasive screening and it came up suspicious then I would, on my high deductible insurance policy, have to pay for the resulting colonoscopy. While if I just had the colonoscopy that would be free and I would only have to pay for any pathology labs done. Absurd to put anyone in that position! Why would you ever do the initial noninvasive testing! Now 3 colonoscopies in I’ve got the kinks worked out. But I still hate insurance.

@jogordon1530 6 месяцев назад

I heard the same thing and I’m not about to have to fork out $2000. They advertise that poop in a can as it is less evasive but like you said - if it comes back suspicious your stuck with the bill !

@jarichards99utube 6 месяцев назад

Thank You Dr Cooper... Yes, Very Helpful... 😊 👍

@dogsplantscarsneatstuff176 7 месяцев назад

Dr. Cooper as a retired water and wastewater tech for a municipality all my procedures used in the lab have to be documented and presented to anyone asking for them. Since our autoclave repairman was over 100 miles away I learned to repair and maintain it for our bacteria analysis. I have had colonoscopies every 5 years due to my grandmother having colon cancer. I have always done it without anesthesia. Since colonoscopes cannot be sterilized in an autoclave (steam at high temperatures is hard to beat), can only be disinfected, and the CDC has said 100% of the biodirt cannot be removed from an endoscope, would you think it reasonable for a patient to ask for the written cleaning procedure (pdf file)? I just read an article showing a better disinfection with peracetic acid vs glutaraldehyde. Thanks for your time.

@jackiemansfield8325 4 месяца назад

Only 65 yo and never had colonoscopy. Will have it only if I notice some symptoms

@EmdrGreg 18 дней назад

Most important-- talk with your PCP. I'm NOT a doctor, so there's that... As a non-professional, I'd offer that if you wait until you notice some symptoms, it is probably far too late. Maybe you could have one just to get a 'base-line' reading. Look. They are not bad at all. The prep is a little inconvenient. You've probably had stomach aches that were a lot worse than the prep.

@KathyY1948 7 месяцев назад

I had my first colonoscopy about 25 years ago when I was 50 and one small polyp was found. Since then I have had regular colonoscopies with the last one a couple of months ago. All have found nothing and my doctor said I could have another colonoscopy in 5 years (I will be 80) if I want. After seeing this video you have reinforced my decision to skip it. There is no history of colon cancer in my family

@donnanelson9181 7 месяцев назад

There are also risks of having them the older you get, like perforating your colon. No thanks.

@mm-qj6cc 7 месяцев назад

71 yr old never had, or will have a colonoscopy. No medication, smoke, drink no planned vaccine, yeh eat what i want, doing good. However no goals of living long- none ok for some but I'd rather go good than hang on bad to the end

@joetaylor8687 7 месяцев назад

Colonoscopies are the golden goose that keeps on giving gastroenterologists. They can do a lot of them, do them fast, and in the U. S. they end up costing LOTS of money. Sad thing is, very few "providers" and "practitioners" ever talk about PREVENTION, and the importance of ingesting enough fiber, and otherwise managing the entire digestive system properly. People abuse their bodies horrendously, and then run to the doctors and big pharma, largely to have TREATMENT, but often not cure.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Please check out my other videos on the topics you mention.

@alansach8437 7 месяцев назад

All true, but no silver bullet! Had a relative who lived a very healthy life. Organic, homegrown foods, marathon bike rider, backpacked across the Sierra Nevada mountains to celebrate her 65th birthday (65 mile trip...one mile for each year she said!) Now 70 battling stage 4 colon cancer! Oncologist told her it's 10% health, 10% genetics, and 80% a crap shoot in his experience.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

@@alansach8437thanks for sharing. Two things I will say with certainty is that all she did means she has lived well regardless of what happens and she can fight this much more successfully. Best of everything to her and your family.

@KO-im6sm 6 месяцев назад

My stupid hypochondriac sister made my mom get one at 85. She was ok and was told she had stage 4 cancer. She had no symptoms and the dumb greedy oncologists put her on chemo. They told her she had six months and she lasted 8 months. If my mon didnt get a colonoscopy, she would still be alive. She even said it was the chemo that was killing her . My crazy hypo sister made her get a colonoscopy at 85. What dumb doctor would OK that idea? People are stupid for believing doctors all of the time. Chemo is a business.

@MarkCooperMD 6 месяцев назад

The doctor did it because had they not and your mom then died of colon cancer you’d very likely be writing a different story, though still featuring the character of a dumb doctor.

@roselineehimatieaimienmwon5974 Год назад

Pls Dr can you tell me the actual age, that supposed to do the test colonoscopy. I am 63 years now.thank you

@MarkCooperMD Год назад

In your 60s you should have a colonoscopy unless you have poor health that would make you unlikely to benefit or the procedure be more risky. But those circumstances are uncommon.

@maxheadroom1506 6 месяцев назад

what alternatives to screen? What is the status with camera pill??? Anyway to get put on Tagamet and just waiting for bowel to empty vs drinking the cleanse stuff? I need alternatives here. Can't go under anesthesia sedation can it be done with epidural? Would I be getting a scope that was up somebody else's ass?? or are these things disposable??? There has to be a better way than to go against one way traffic.

@myobmyob2215 3 месяца назад

Am shooting for non invasive virtual colonscopy. It's the 21st century JFC. If there is anything there I'll take the next steps. Yeah there is the camera capsule virtual colonscopy maybe more now.once Had an real endo once because there is some BS going there, didnt do it to be screened.

@wajj1842 7 месяцев назад

I'm an 81 yo man with a history of UC since age 26. I've had about 10 colonoscopies since my first diagnosis of UC and have never had a polyup or any positive biopsy from the screenings. However, I have experienced a strong UC reaction from several of the procedures. My last procedure was at age 77, and after about 8 years of UC remission, I had a strong UC flairup that took me about a year to return to remission. I am now in UC remisssion and wonder if I should have another colonoscopy. What's your advise?

@TheCJTok 7 месяцев назад

I have had Crohn’s since 1989. I’ve had several flare ups after a colonoscopy so I’ve made the decision to no longer get one unless there’s a compelling reason.

@happysalesguy 7 месяцев назад

Thank you, that was very helpful. I will have a conversation with my GI guy next year and keep your guidelines in mind.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

thanks for watching and good luck!!

@Burevestnik9M730 7 месяцев назад

What is the risk of dying during colonoscopy? And why do they change the type of anesthesia every 10 years for colonoscopy? And what is the risk of anesthesia itself causing death? Maybe that's why they are changing anesthesia method? My first colonoscopy at 44 no polyps. My second colonoscopy at 54 no polyps. And now at 66, I am weighing risks vs benefits for the upcoming colonoscopy, whether to skip and/or maybe try at 70 for the last time. My mother died at 59 from colon cancer. But I must not risk death as I have two disabled children to take care of

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

You have more risk of dying in the car ride to the endoscopy center I would estimate. The anesthesia is very safe.

@mooster47 7 месяцев назад

I had an aunt who had colon cancer at age 84, and she lived to 96 after treatment. I intend to keep having colonoscopies, but found that doctors seem very cheerful about telling me that I don't need them after age 80 - without asking about family history. I have had one polyp so far, found at age 60.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Removing a small polyp over age 80 is unlikely of much actual benefit. The problem isn’t the polyp but what it could become in the future. I can see likely benefit of taking a look in the age range of 80-85 for the right patient.

@Cherisse-lj7zf Месяц назад

Was it Stage 1 only?

@VB-lc4xz 6 месяцев назад

I would say - never. I had a colonoscopy 10 years ago and was so resistant to doing it when my doctor wanted me. I felt totally fine, ate super healthy, etc. Finally, I succumbed and dragged myself to the hospital. They found a polyp and two pre-cancerous adenomas. Go figure. Now I am glad I did!

@deborahfairbanks4012 7 месяцев назад

Thank you. I'm 70 and have had polyps removed my last two colonoscopys

@ew6629 7 месяцев назад

What's the percentage where the colon is perforated during the procedure and could have severe consequences? It's not as risk free as people think.

@ew6629 7 месяцев назад

@@leevize6045 Thanks for the data. Any reason why they don't seem to offer sigmoidoscopies and what is your opinion on this less invasive procedure?

@karlhungus5554 Год назад

Very informative and helpful video. Many thanks, Dr. Cooper.

@MarkCooperMD Год назад

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching

@montecraig7032 6 месяцев назад

I thought about getting one but they said I can’t show up alone. I’m to independent to ask someone to go with me.

@ultrasoundguy1 7 месяцев назад

For those who are at low risk for colon cancer, I'd think virtual colonoscopy might be a good alternative that would increase the patient acceptance of the procedure and has the added benefit of potentially finding other non-colon problems in the region. The last time I heard a discussion of this, the objection was mainly from insurance companies since the costs were similar but if polyps were found then the usual procedure would be required, effectively doubling the cost in those cases. But then I have to think that there are many who are resistant to the invasive procedure (I suspect mainly due to the prep) that possibly develop later stage colon cancer, for which the treatment costs must be very high. So it seems that even from just a crass financial perspective that there's a place for using the virtual colonoscopy procedure.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

You still have to prep for a good quality CT colonography. There’s also the issue of radiation. And there’s also unreliable reading. I think it’s reliable at a major academic center but less reliable out in the community where it’s performed infrequently.

@ultrasoundguy1 7 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD Thanks for the clarification! I'd understood that the digital removal of the colon's contents was its primary advantage, but certainly I can see that using prep would increase its sensitivity and/or lower the likelihood of missing a small but significant feature, although as you mention additional training and experience would no doubt help. Still it seems that there's a large population that aren't being screened, so perhaps a poorer quality non-prep virtual colonoscopy would have value. I guess the counter argument would be that individuals who would normally still use the standard procedure might migrate to this lower quality one if it was widely used and suffer poorer outcomes.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Yes. I like that you’re thinking in terms of population health. As a doctor I have to consider both aspects as I’m doing this in sufficiently high volume that I have to be self aware that I’m part of a larger system which I shape by how I do things. I think the other issue is that there’s already more than enough abdominal imaging going on - so we don’t have radiologists sitting around looking for new things to do. The same is true of GI docs. Which is why I have no problem with non invasive alternatives to colonoscopy. From my viewpoint I’m booked well into the future. As are all my colleagues. I recommend annual FIT test for people wishing to avoid colonoscopy without a diagnostic intent (ie positive FIT).

@ultrasoundguy1 7 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD Thanks so much for the FIT test comment, for which I see that the Labcorp site has a questionnaire about its applicability to a particular patient. Notably for my friends and relatives who you could never get to have a colonoscopy, it should be an acceptable middle ground.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

That’s great.

@oldtimer86 18 дней назад

I have had them for a number of years. At 87 i have quit take them.

@MarkCooperMD 17 дней назад

Sounds reasonable. I wouldn’t recommend my parents to screen at that age.

@katajoos3307 Год назад

Great Dr !! and handsome too ...very clear talking !

@jnsmill 7 месяцев назад

At 75 I had my last colonoscopy, they found 2 benign polyps, a month ago, I’m now 85, and my doctor asked about a colonoscopy, I said I didn’t think so, so she suggested a cologuard, which I consented to, it came back positive, so now they want to do a colonoscopy, I’m not sure if I want to have it done.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Cologuard has higher false positive at your age. It really should be avoided in your case for a number of reasons. What polyp type did you have at 75? Hyperplastic or adenoma?

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Inaccurate. A lot of lesions are on the right colon.

@Robsbrd99 Год назад

Hey Dr Cooper, l enjoyed your video. I had my 1st at age 50 and a few months. They found three with one being a sessile polyp. They said come back in three years. Had an opportunity from another surgery to get another colonoscopy at 21 months. They found a 4mm polyp this time. They still are saying come back in three years. I seem to like the two year mark for the next one. What do you think?

@MarkCooperMD Год назад

I usually reset the clock if I was able to complete a good exam with good prep. So if I only found one polyp after two years I’d consider the patient is good to go for 5 years. However the size of the initial polyps weighs into the consideration. Generally polyps are slow growing and common. The few that are large and have more aggressive histology are distinct from the run of the mill type. Ultimately I’d need more information to make a recommendation that differs from the advice you already received. Thanks!

@medic12961 6 месяцев назад

I had a scare with colon cancer they removed sixteen polyps but they found a small mass had the surgery to remove it it was stage two and 95 percent removed I go back in April of this year for another colonoscopy

@marciamusial9952 Год назад

Thank you. I just get the prep very chilled and chug it down.

@kathleenking47 7 месяцев назад

I used miralax, in 4 green Gatorade bottles For a prep...easy to take

@catherinemoran7652 7 месяцев назад

@@kathleenking47I did the Miralax too but just used flavored water. I don’t like Gatorade.

@TomHobbes987 6 месяцев назад

What a magnificent voice and presentation you have. Very helpful video; I am 79 and deciding since I have had some polyps removed in the past.

@auricgoldfinger8478 6 месяцев назад

Cologuard is improving, both in sensitivity and specificity. Over 95% sensitivity now. I’ve had 2 adenomas- one each colonoscopy. At 68, I’m done with colonoscopy, and yes, I’m a retired MD

@MarkCooperMD 6 месяцев назад

You should have a better interpretation of data as a retired MD. It is not 95% sensitive. It has a high negative predictive value. Very different. Glad you retired.

@auricgoldfinger8478 6 месяцев назад

You are correct. Cologuard has a 92.3% sensitivity and 86.6% specificity. Increasingly in European trials it has become evident that the cancer prevention offered by colonoscopy guided excisions are very overestimated in this country. As more NPs and PAs are trained to do scopes, you may join me in an early retirement as you so rudely emphasized!

@MarkCooperMD 6 месяцев назад

Caught doling out misinformation and you correct yourself with more decimal points to appear more knowledgeable. The more important factor is what that sensitivity applies to - which is fairly advanced cancers. Patients tend to want to prevent cancer not catch it late stage. And if you’re still missing 1:20 fairly advanced cancers I don’t find that too fantastic of test performance. The miss rate for advanced adenomas that could become cancer within the next test interval is about 30%. Annual FIT test will perform about as well over time at a fraction of the cost and can be acquired over the counter to avoid the insurance hit for having a positive cologuard. Im well aware of NPs doing flex sig but non physicians are not trying to scope in droves. Most patients find it especially worthwhile to invest their trust in someone with extensive training if we are discussing sticking a meter long device up the backside and cutting things out. So I’m not going to waste my time worrying about that. Find a better hobby for your retirement than being an internet troll.

@auricgoldfinger8478 6 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD Mark, don’t be so sensitive and temperamental. We can both agree that Cologuard is improving every year. If the difference between 92.3% and 95% is critical to you, then I stand corrected. The portrayal of colonoscopy as the only course for patients, and its definitive ability to prevent all cancers should be discouraged, despite the portrayal by American gastroenterology. Try to be an adult in your comments. Being “snarky “ doesn’t become you.

@MarkCooperMD 6 месяцев назад

You’re doling out incorrect interpretation of medical data under claimed authority of being an MD. That’s being a troll, nothing temperamental about stating facts. That’s much less becoming for you and since correcting misinformation is my mission of doing RU-vid, it’s absolutely the right thing for me to do. No we don’t agree about it’s accuracy. You don’t seem to understand the critical nuance that I pointed out. Which does beg whether you carry claimed credentials, or just verifies that it’s best you retired. Check out other videos I’ve made before making blanket statements. You’ll find I’m all for alternative methods of screening for appropriate patients. Contrary to your suggestion I may retire early because NPs will come for my job there’s actually far greater need to screen people than there are GIs. Alternatives will definitely be needed. I’ve trained enough residents and surgeons to know most can’t pick up a scope and actually do the colonoscopy.

@basrinak6372 7 месяцев назад

The volume is extremely low. I normally watch at volume 10, but had to increase the volume to 22 and it was still soft.

@doglegjake6788 7 месяцев назад

I was always afraid I would feel the Doctor's hands on the back of my shoulders

@Malcolm-Achtman 7 месяцев назад

WTF?

@jeanbanbois3940 7 месяцев назад

I love it.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing. I find the procedure has more technical success by directing the scope a good bit below the shoulder.

@tonyharris3306 7 месяцев назад

😂😂😂😂😂

@cindypatrick785 6 месяцев назад

My 82 yr old mom and I had our colonoscopies the same day. Mine, as usual was all clear. Unfortunately hers came back as early stage colon cancer.😔. She was able to have 10” of her colon removed robotically and did not require chemotherapy!!! She is now 88 and doing well.🙂 2:50

@annasutton8078 7 месяцев назад

That makes sense. You have to be aware of the risks and benefits as you get older.

@peggysoumakis1758 7 месяцев назад

How about insurance companies covering less barbaric techniques to test for colon cancer. We can put a man on the moon and we can't find some way less invasive?! Accidents do happen during colonoscopy. There is cologuard and pill sized cameras.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Pill sized cameras aren’t useful for colon cancer screening. Cologuard is an option. I think annual FIT test is better. We did have to actually put the man on the moon to bring back moon rocks. Similarly we do have to actually enter your colon to remove polyps.

@curtiscollins2174 7 месяцев назад

Very well done sir. I will continue to have colonastame tests. I'm 66 and plan on living 100+ yrs God willing.

@Paul-lm5gv 7 месяцев назад

New guidelines make it a bit easier. You don't have to eat just green jello. My doctor recommends real foods for breakfast that can more easily liquify so you don't have to go the whole day - the day before - eating nothing. Low residue breakfast foods include eggs, white bread, cottage cheese, yogurt, grits, coffee, and tea. You may have clear liquids.

@jerseyjim9092 7 месяцев назад

Had first at 60, 2nd at 70. No polyps either time. Dr said I didnt need any further checks. I'm fine with that.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing. Estimates are a bit less than 5% of the population is fated to develop colon cancer. If you’ve had two exams with no polyps you’re unlikely in that minority of people. So more checks would be more likely to harm you than help you. There’s also no need to do non invasive tests given this history.

@jerseyjim9092 7 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD thanks, forgot to mention also that cancer of any type, is extremely rare in my family history and no cases of colon cancer.

@owenbevans6062 12 часов назад

No thanks, I'll never get a colonoscopy. Already down to 1 lung a bent heart valve and 2 metal hips and I out lived my docs best guess.

@vetsai8199 Год назад

What can be done when I wake up in great pain during a colonoscopy?? I also have lower abdominal pain for 3-4 days posts-procedure! The fasting pre-procedure has previously caused me to fall and pass out, making it impossible for me to work our drive or care for my grandchildren. I am 69, have never had polyps, and the down time is just top much! It adds up to a week of lost time! Are there any substitutes on the horizon?

@LS-ei7xk 7 месяцев назад

I'd like to know the answer to that, too.

@montanagal6958 6 месяцев назад

My husband's dad died from a stroke from a colonoscopy he didn't need (it was paid for by medicaid and recommended)...They took him off his Coumadin a few days prior to the procedure. He stroked the day after the procedure. He never walked again and died. I''m not a big fan of invasive preventative (nurse).

@MarkCooperMD 6 месяцев назад

I’m sorry for your loss in this case. Your experience highlights the need to be judicious about when a colonoscopy should be done. A person with substantial vascular risk factors may not benefit from screening as their single biggest risk for mortality is from disease of the heart and brain. For some of these patients I’ll have them on a very short hold or have them take a short acting blood thinner so the total time off anticoagulant is reduced to hours.

@gregfaris6959 7 месяцев назад

It’s refreshing to see a pragmatic discussion of this topic. It is difficult for most people to view their own health history and future so pragmatically, but the truth is we are all going to die of something one day or another, and if a few colonoscopies over a few decades have revealed no polyps, or only one of a small size and non-threatening type, it is a reasonable bet that this is not the thing that’s going to kill you. Time to focus on the things more pertinent to your own risks, based on personal or family history. One of the things that contributes to over-prescription of colonoscopies is the high mobility of people today, and the breakdown of the “regular” private or family physician. Practitioners will see the colonoscopy as a low-cost insurance against a risk that can be devastating, and is avoidable with early diagnostics. But in today’s world, where most people never see the same doctor for more than two consecutive years, YOU become the guarantor of your own healthcare future. This type of analytic pragmatism can go a long way toward preventing you from spending significant amounts of time and expense on procedures you’ve already repeated multiple times, and allow you to focus on where the real risks lie for you.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

Thank you for sharing. Your comments were highly satisfying to read. And you’ve hit the nail on the head for one of the big reasons I spend my time making these videos.

@jerrypolverino6025 6 месяцев назад

I am 77 and my doctor told me I don’t need them anymore. I had a few polyps at my last colonoscopy about seven years ago.

@michaelfishman7174 7 месяцев назад

Colonoscopies should never be stopped !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! as long as you are breathing. It should not be based on age. In this country everything is based on age. Stop discriminating. If the person is still alive they have a right to live and be screened !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

There’s research on when to extend screening. However the view of screening indefinitely isn’t consistent with the biology of how cancer develops. There’s a risk and benefit that we balance and it’s clear that in older age the change of benefiting from a screening colonoscopy dwindles.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

And I rest my case.

@PardieDiem 7 месяцев назад

Wow!

@PardieDiem 7 месяцев назад

@@MarkCooperMD I appreciate your honesty, not running after the all mighty dollar.

@MarkCooperMD 7 месяцев назад

@@PardieDiemthanks. I learned this (ironically, perhaps) from working in tech start ups. Create value for something you care about and stay focused on that. Rewards (monetary and non monetary) follow.