Are Surveillance Colonoscopies Worth It for People Over 75?

(MedPage Today) — For years, the standard advice for preventing colorectal cancer has been straightforward: spot polyps early, take them out, and keep getting colonoscopies to stop cancer before it starts. This strategy has helped save many lives. However, like many medical practices, it raises questions for older adults. A new study examines whether patients aged 75 and older actually benefit from these follow-up colonoscopies. The research looks at the risks and rewards of continuing surveillance in this age group, where the body may handle procedures differently. The findings suggest that for some seniors, the potential harms—such as complications from the procedure or preparation—might outweigh the benefits of finding new polyps. Doctors have long debated when to stop routine screening, and this study adds fresh data to that conversation. Ultimately, the decision should be personalized, weighing a patient’s overall health, life expectancy, and personal preferences against the small chance of preventing a future cancer.