03/25/2025
Learn what makes colonoscopy screenings the best option for early detection of colorectal cancer so you can safeguard your health today!
By Steven Gorelick, MD, System Chair Digestive Health Institute, Gastroenterology, Nuvance Health
If you had a chance to stop cancer before it started, would you take it? Of course you would. Of all the cancer screenings available, a colonoscopy is one of the only ones that can prevent cancer before it begins. Here is why colonoscopy screenings are considered the only way to effectively detect colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer by the numbers
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, affecting both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, over 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2025, with around 52,000 deaths resulting from the disease. These alarming statistics underscore the importance of awareness and early screening, particularly for high-risk individuals.
Related content: Learn more about colorectal cancer screenings, prevention and risk.
Several risk factors are linked to colorectal cancer, including age, family history and certain genetic conditions. If you are 45 and older, you are encouraged to undergo regular colonoscopy screenings because the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Lifestyle factors such as a diet high in red or processed meats, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking and heavy alcohol use can also elevate the risk of colorectal cancer.
Related content: What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Colonoscopy screenings for colorectal cancer
- What is a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum using a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope. This tool is equipped with a light and camera, enabling doctors to detect abnormalities and remove polyps if necessary.
Related content: At-home test or colonoscopy: which colorectal cancer screening is best?
- How colonoscopy detects colorectal cancer early: Colonoscopies are highly effective in detecting colorectal cancer at an early stage. By identifying and removing polyps before they turn cancerous, this procedure significantly reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Related content: What will happen if my colonoscopy is abnormal?
- Comparison with other screening methods: While other screening methods, such as stool tests and sigmoidoscopies, are available, colonoscopy remains the ideal screening method. It provides a comprehensive view of your entire colon and rectum, making it the most reliable method for early detection and prevention.
Colorectal screening guidelines
Colorectal screenings are vital for early detection and successful treatment. General guidelines recommend that you begin screening at age 45. For those at average risk of colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy should be performed every 10 years. Regular screenings are essential, as they can identify precancerous polyps, allowing for timely intervention.
Learn more about colonoscopies in this video: See what it’s like to get a colonoscopy screening
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or certain genetic conditions — these are considered high-risk. If you are at a higher-than-average risk, you may benefit from earlier screening, potentially starting at age 40 or even earlier, depending on your risk factors. Talk to your doctor about developing a screening strategy to monitor your risk level.
Learn about your colorectal cancer risk. Take a Colon Cancer Risk Quiz now.
Leading health organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, consistently endorse these recommendations. They advocate for a proactive approach to screening, emphasizing that early detection significantly enhances survival rates. By adhering to these guidelines, you can take charge of your health and potentially reduce the impact of colorectal cancer.
Related content: Tips for preparing for your endoscopy exam
Stigma and misconceptions about colonoscopies
Colonoscopies are often surrounded by stigma and misconceptions that can steer you away from seeking help. You may even believe that colonoscopies are uncomfortable or a painful procedure. In fact, colonoscopies are just the opposite. Due to advancements in medical technology and anesthesia, colonoscopies have become a much more tolerable medical procedure than in the past.
You may think that colonoscopies are only necessary for those with symptoms or a family history of colorectal cancer but early detection through regular screenings is crucial for everyone, especially if you are over the age of 45.
Related content: Frequently asked questions about colonoscopies
The bottom line: Colorectal cancer is a significant health concern with over 150,000 new cases expected in the U.S. this year alone. Regular colonoscopy screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention, especially if you are 45 and older or have high-risk factors.
By following the colonoscopy screening guidelines and overcoming the stigma and misconceptions about the procedure, you can significantly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
Not sure where to start? Find a gastroenterologist near you.