In June last year I reported that data show that the need for colonoscopy diminishes in the elderly. I went so far as to say that you probably didn't need a routine colonoscopy after the age of 75. Well, I think I may have been a bit premature. Two papers presented at the American College of Gastroenterology meeting this month report that the benefits of colonoscopy extend to 80 and beyond.

Dr Singh of the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla , California , reviewing cancer registry data over a 5 year period, analyzed 356 patients with colorectal cancer who had an average 2½ year follow-up after diagnosis by colonoscopy. Survival in patients without symptoms extended from ages 40 through 84 years. As average life expectancy at 80 is 9 years, there's a role for screening colonoscopy at least until age 85, says Dr Singh.

In a second study Dr Yen of the University of Buffalo, New York, reported on colonoscopy results in 587 patients, 58 of whom were 80 and older. There were more adenomas in older patients, more colon cancers, and more proximal lesions (i.e. in the ascending, or right-sided colon) in the older age group.

Together, these two reports suggest that you can't afford to just forget about colonoscopy after age 75. But if you're really set against it, consider a virtual colonoscopy; check out the pros and cons.