Key takeaways

  • Most people should receive their first colonoscopy by age 45 and repeat it every 10 years. However, you may need to start screening more frequently if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, or other risk factors.
  • After polyp removal, you’ll typically need a colonoscopy every 3 to 7 years, or more frequently if your risk for adenomas is high. Certain conditions may also require more frequent screening.
  • Once you turn 75, a healthcare professional may recommend stopping colonoscopies, as the risk of complications can outweigh the benefits of routine screening as you get older.

A colonoscopy involves inserting a narrow, bendable tube with a camera on the end into your lower bowel to look for abnormalities in your colon, or large intestine.

It’s the primary method of testing for colorectal cancer. The procedure can also be used to remove small pieces of tissue to send to a lab for analysis. This is done in case your doctor suspects that tissue is diseased or cancerous.

Who needs a colonoscopy, when you should start getting them, and how you may need a colonoscopy can depend on factors such as your age and certain risk factors. Read on to learn more.

Everyone needs to have at least one colonoscopy by age 45. How often you need them or whether you need one earlier depends on many factors, such as the presence of other risk factors for conditions such as colorectal cancer.

As you age, your risk of developing polyps and bowel cancer increases. Getting routine colonoscopies helps your doctor find abnormalities early so they can be quickly treated.

Getting a colonoscopy before 45 years

You may require a colonoscopy sooner if you have a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. This can help ensure that your bowels stay healthy and complications are treated as soon as possible.

You should consider getting colonoscopies earlier in your life if you have:

  • a family history of bowel cancer
  • family history of significant polyps
  • certain symptoms

You may also consider getting a colonoscopy more than once a year if your risk for bowel conditions is especially high or if you have certain genetic conditions.

Speak with a healthcare professional for guidance on when they recommend getting a colonoscopy and how frequently you should schedule them based on individual circumstances.

Most people should get a colonoscopy at least once every 10 years after they turn 45.

Once you turn 75 years, a healthcare professional may recommend that you no longer get colonoscopies for screening. The risk of complications can outweigh the benefits of this routine check as you get older.

You may need to start earlier than 45 years if you have a family history of colorectal cancer.

It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you know you have a family history of colorectal cancer. They can help determine when and how frequently they recommend screening with colonoscopy.

Who’s at risk of colorectal cancer?

Some factors can put you at a higher risk of colorectal cancer, even if you do not have a family history of the condition.

Factors that may increase the risk of colorectal cancer include:

  • cigarette smoking
  • excess alcohol consumption
  • overweight or obesity
  • type 2 diabetes
  • consuming a diet high in red or processed meats
  • personal history of IBD
  • personal history of radiation to the pelvic or abdominal area
  • inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Most doctors recommend getting a colonoscopy at least 3 years to 7 years after a polypectomy, the procedure to remove polyps.

Polyps are tiny growths of excess tissue in the colon. Some may become cancerous, so regular screening is essential.

You may need another colonoscopy sooner than 3 years if your risk for cancer is high.

Your doctor will let you know how often you need a colonoscopy if you have diverticulitis depending on the severity of your symptoms.

It may be beneficial to have a colonoscopy for monitoring soon after an acute episode of symptoms.

Your cancer risk increases about 8 to 10 years after diagnosis, so regular colonoscopies are key.

This can be as frequent as every 1 to 2 years.

It’s best to speak with a healthcare professional if you are unsure of when your next colonoscopy is due. They can help determine when you should book a colonoscopy based on individual circumstances.

It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you have a family history or symptoms of colorectal cancer. They may order a colonoscopy to confirm or rule out the condition.

It’s recommended that most people receive a colonoscopy once every 10 years after they turn 45. However, you may require earlier or more regular screening if you have a family history or other risk factors of colorectal cancer.

Talk with a healthcare professional about getting a colonoscopy earlier than 45 if you have a family history of bowel conditions, are at higher risk for developing colon cancer, or have previously had polyps or colon cancer.