• A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • Lynch syndrome or another inherited genetic condition
  • Cystic fibrosis

  • A personal history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvis for a prior cancer

  • The American Cancer Society notes that having a parent, sibling, or child with colorectal cancer doubles a person’s risk . That’s not something to ignore.
  • What to Expect During a Colonoscopy
  • If a colonoscopy is recommended, understanding the procedure can ease anxiety.
  • Preparation: You’ll need to follow a special diet for a few days and take bowel-cleansing laxatives to ensure your colon is empty . The preparation can be challenging, but it’s essential for the doctor to see clearly.
  • The procedure: A doctor inserts a flexible tube with a camera through the anus and into the rectum and colon. It usually takes less than an hour . You’ll receive sedatives or anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain.
  • What happens during: The doctor can remove polyps or take biopsies during the procedure—and you won’t feel it .
  • Recovery: You’ll need someone to drive you home. Most people return to normal activities by the next day .
  • Why Some People Avoid Colonoscopies—And Why They Shouldn’t
  • Common fears include:

  • The preparation (Yes, it’s unpleasant. But it’s temporary—and it could save your life.)

  • Fear of pain (You’ll be sedated. Most people don’t feel anything.)

  • Fear of what they might find (Finding something early means it’s treatable. Avoiding the test doesn’t make problems disappear.)

  • Dr. Virginia Shaffer, professor of surgery at the University of Chicago, emphasizes: “If a patient is willing and able to get a colonoscopy, this should remain the top choice” .
  • The Bottom Line
  • Before you schedule—or avoid—a colonoscopy, ask your doctor: “What is my personal risk, and when should I start screening?”
  • The answer could mean the difference between catching cancer early or missing the window entirely.
  • Don’t let fear or embarrassment stop you. A few hours of discomfort is a small price to pay for years of life.