Gastroenterologist Dr. Basseri consults with a patient discussing family history of colorectal cancer and screening with the best GI doctor for colonoscopy in Los Angeles, CA.
Colon Cancer

Family History of Colorectal Cancer? When to Get Checked

A family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps increases your risk and changes when you should start routine screenings. In this article, the best GI doctor for colonoscopy in Los Angeles explains how family history impacts your personal risk and when to start screenings.
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When a parent, sibling, or other close relative has colorectal cancer, it is natural to wonder whether you could face the same diagnosis. Your family history affects your risk, including when you should begin screening. In some cases, you may need to start getting colonoscopies years before the standard screening age.

The American Gastroenterological Association’s guidance on colorectal cancer screening identifies a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer as a risk factor that calls for earlier screening. The age at which your relative was diagnosed, how many relatives were affected, and whether your family has a history of certain genetic conditions can all influence your screening plan.

Read on to learn more about the right steps toward colon cancer prevention and where to find the best GI doctor for colonoscopy in Los Angeles.

How Does Family History Affect Colorectal Cancer Risk?

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum. Many cases begin as polyps, which are growths on the inner lining of the digestive tract. Some polyps can become cancerous over time, making screening an important tool for finding and removing precancerous growths. A family history may raise your risk because relatives can share genetic changes that increase the chance of developing colorectal cancer. They may also share similar lifestyle or environmental factors that affect risk. 

When Should You Start Screening if a Relative Had Colorectal Cancer?

For adults at average risk, colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45. People with a family history need to start earlier, and the recommended age depends on which relative was diagnosed and how old they were at the time. The American College of Gastroenterology provides guidance for people with a first-degree relative who had colorectal cancer or an advanced polyp. The recommendations below reflect its latest screening guideline:

Family History Screening Recommendation
One first-degree relative diagnosed before age 60 Begin colonoscopy at age 40 or 10 years before the relative’s diagnosis, whichever comes first. Repeat every five years under this guideline.
Two or more first-degree relatives diagnosed at any age Begin colonoscopy at age 40 or 10 years before the youngest relative’s diagnosis, whichever comes first. Repeat every five years under this guideline.
One first-degree relative diagnosed at age 60 or older Begin screening at age 40, then follow average-risk screening intervals if results are normal.
One second-degree relative with colorectal cancer Average-risk screening recommendations generally apply.

What if Several Relatives Have Had Colorectal Cancer?

When multiple relatives have had colorectal cancer, the best gastroenterologist in Los Angeles can look more closely at the possibility of an inherited condition. Certain genetic syndromes, including Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis, can substantially increase colorectal cancer risk and may require screening before the ages recommended for most people with a family history. Clues that may warrant a more detailed assessment include:

  • Several relatives on the same side of the family with colorectal cancer
  • A relative diagnosed at a young age
  • A family history of multiple colorectal polyps
  • Colorectal cancer alongside certain other cancers, including endometrial cancer
  • A known inherited cancer syndrome in the family

Does a Family History Mean You Need a Colonoscopy?

Getting a colonoscopy is the best way anyone can catch colon cancer early, especially people with certain higher-risk family histories. During this outpatient procedure, a gastroenterologist examines the colon and rectum for polyps, inflammation, and other abnormalities. The doctor can also remove many polyps during the exam, allowing them to be examined and helping reduce the chance that they could develop into cancer. 

What Should You Tell Your Gastroenterologist About Your Family History?

You do not need to know every detail of your family’s medical history before making an appointment. However, a few key facts can help your gastroenterologist make a more informed recommendation. Before your visit, try to find out:

  • Which relatives had colorectal cancer or advanced polyps
  • How old each relative was when diagnosed
  • Whether the cancer occurred on your mother’s or father’s side of the family
  • Whether anyone had genetic testing or a confirmed inherited syndrome
  • Whether you have had a colonoscopy or other colorectal cancer screening before

Find the Best GI Doctor for Colonoscopy in Los Angeles

A family history of colorectal cancer can make screening decisions feel more complicated, especially when a relative was diagnosed at a young age, or several family members have been affected. That is why it's important to choose a gastroenterologist who provides personalized care, including colonoscopy and colorectal cancer screening.

Dr. Benjamin Basseri earned his medical degree from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, completed his internal medicine residency at Cedars-Sinai, and completed fellowship training in gastroenterology and hepatology at UCLA Medical Center. He has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, including research related to colorectal cancer screening, and is an active member of the American Gastroenterological Association, American College of Gastroenterology, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Elite Digestive Health provides patients across West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Century City, and West LA access to colonoscopy and advanced endoscopic technology in a comfortable, modern Beverly Hills office. 

Ready to take a proactive approach to colorectal cancer prevention with the best GI doctor for colonoscopy in Los Angeles?

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