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Every day, Americans prep for a colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society anticipates more than 150,000 of them will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer in 2026. For others, this screening tool helps find polyps, growths that can become cancer.
“A colonoscopy is an incredibly important exam that looks inside your colon to detect polyps,” says Dr. Felice H. Schnoll-Sussman, professor of clinical medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, and director of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian. “By identifying these polyps and taking them out at the time of the colonoscopy, we can actually help someone avoid getting colon cancer.”
While other tests can detect colon or rectal cancer, colonoscopy remains the gold standard. In fact, if other tests indicate cancer, a colonoscopy is necessary for diagnosis. Knowing when to prep for and undergo a colonoscopy helps you detect cancer early.
If you’re at average risk, your first colonoscopy should take place at age 45. You can then repeat the exam every decade if nothing abnormal is found.
If you’re at increased risk for colorectal cancer, you may benefit from earlier or more frequent testing. Your risk increases with the following:
“The most important thing is that the inside of the colon is clean so the physician can identify all the polyps and take them out,” Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says. “Complying with all the instructions is probably one of the most important things you can do to prep for your colonoscopy, so you get clear test results.”
In the days leading up to your screening test for colorectal cancer, prep instructions may include the following:
“Colonoscopy is a safe, extraordinarily effective test,” Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says. “Many people wake up afterward and cannot believe the test is done.”
Colorectal cancer affects tens of thousands of Americans every year. Colonoscopy can detect it early or even prevent it.
Want to protect your colorectal health? Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine to get started.
