Who Should Not Have Colonoscopy?

If you are over 80 years of age or have serious heart disease, lung disease, cancer, or other serious health problems, then a screening colonoscopy may not be appropriate for you. Please keep in mind that the purpose of screening is to increase lifespan by preventing deaths from colorectal cancer. In the person who is elderly or has significant health problems, there may be little or no potential benefit from the procedure, and thus no justification for the potential risks. 

If you think this is a concern, then you should be evaluated first in the office. You need to have an honest discussion with your primary care physician or with one of our gastroenterologists before making a decision to undergo screening colonoscopy. This is the most effective way to clearly understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.  

Page updated October 21, 2006