Study suggests colonoscopies can be performed less frequently

Patients with an average risk of colon cancer may only need to undergo a colonoscopy screening every 15 years instead of the recommended 10, according to researchers.

Waiting an extra five years after a negative colonoscopy carried about the same risk of later having a colorectal diagnosis or dying from the disease as getting screened every 10 years, the study indicated. Colorectal cancer is the fourth-most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. and the second most deadly behind lung cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends that screening begin at age 45 for people who don’t have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors.

Read more: JAMA Oncology

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