My paternal grandfather died of bowel cancer in the 1950s, aged in his 50s. My father died of liver cancer in the 1970s, aged 54, but genetic screening indicated he may also have carried a gene linked to bowel cancer, and my older brother died of bowel cancer 30 years ago aged 45. Both my father and  brother were heavy smokers and heavy drinkers.  I have never smoked nor drink alcohol. 

I am male, now 62 and had regular colonoscopies from 1995 to 2019. They were always negative, no polyps being found at any stage.  Before the last test in 2019, the senior colorectal professor  who carried out the test told me that he was confident that he would not find anything of concern, given the previous results, which turned out to be the case. 

Last year I contacted the hospital (in Glasgow)  to enquire about the need for a further screening  colonoscopy. I was advised that given the sensitivity of the modern FIT tests, screening was no longer carried out in the first instance in situations like mine.  I had an FIT test 6 months ago which was negative and  I continue to have no concerns about bowel issues.  I remain very vigilant about bowel issues. 

My question is, was the advice I received correct? Given my long history of ‘negatiive’ colonoscopies,  and a recent negative FIT test, are 5 year screening colonoscopies no longer required?  

Thank you.