Q & AReturn to ->Ask the Doctor->Tests and Their Results | QUESTION: After 15 years with Celiac I have not had another Colonoscopy to determine the health of my colon. Is this the best test to verify health? | DR. FINE: Under normal circumstances (no family history of colon cancer), beginning at age 50, the colonic mucosa should be screened every 5-10 years (3-5 years by sigmpoidoscopy or every 10 years by colonoscopy) for colon cancer/polyps. If found, then the interval would be more frequent. There is no documented increase in colon cancer in people with celiac disease. There is a greater prevalence of small intestinal cancer and lymphoma, esophageal and pharyngeal cancer, and possibly pancreatic cancer, but these risks should return to normal with a gluten free diet.
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