A colonoscopy is a common procedure that lets doctors examine the colon and rectum for abnormalities and changes. It’s often used as a screening tool for colorectal cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States according to the American Cancer Society. Routine testing can help prevent colorectal cancer or find it at an early, easily treatable stage.
Current guidelines state you should have your first colonoscopy at age 45 and one every 10 years thereafter if you have no special risk factors for colorectal cancer. If a relative has had colorectal cancer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, a genetic risk such as Lynch syndrome, or an inherited polyposis syndrome, you may need screenings earlier or more often.