How Often You Should Get a Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable. A simple screening called a colonoscopy can detect early signs of disease — and even stop cancer before it begins by removing precancerous polyps.

For Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Vincent Petros, DO, gastroenterologist at GI of Norman, explains when adults should start screening, how often it should be repeated, and why early detection can save lives.

At What Age Should You Get Your First Colonoscopy?

For most adults with average risk, the recommended age to begin colonoscopy screening is 45.

This guideline was recently lowered from age 50 due to an increase in colon cancer diagnoses among younger adults.

“45 is now the recommended age to begin screening,” said Dr. Petros. “We’re seeing younger individuals diagnosed with colon cancer, often at more advanced stages, so lowering the screening age helps us detect disease earlier.”

Starting screening at the right time helps physicians identify precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.

How Often Should You Get a Colonoscopy?

The answer depends on a person’s individual risk factors and screening results.

For people at average risk with a normal colonoscopy, screening is typically repeated every 10 years.

However, if precancerous polyps are found during the procedure, doctors may recommend follow-up colonoscopies sooner.

Typical screening intervals include:

• Every 10 years for average-risk adults with normal results
• Every 3–5 years if precancerous polyps are found
• More frequent testing for individuals with higher risk factors

“Finding polyps increases the risk that new ones could develop,” Dr. Petros said. “That’s why we shorten the interval and monitor more closely.”

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors That May Require Earlier Screening

Some individuals may need colonoscopies earlier than age 45 or more frequently depending on their medical history.

Common risk factors include:

• A family history of colon cancer in a parent, sibling, or child
• A personal history of precancerous polyps
• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, anemia, or unexplained weight loss

“These symptoms should never be ignored,” says Dr. Petros. “They warrant further evaluation because they can be signs of an underlying condition that needs attention.”

Screening vs. Diagnostic Colonoscopy

A screening colonoscopy is performed when a patient has no symptoms and is simply undergoing preventive health screening.

This proactive approach allows doctors to detect polyps or early-stage cancer before symptoms develop.

A diagnostic colonoscopy, on the other hand, is performed after symptoms appear — such as bleeding, unexplained anemia, or persistent changes in bowel habits.

“Our goal is always prevention,” Dr. Petros said. “When we wait until symptoms appear, the disease is often more advanced and harder to treat.”

Why Early Detection Saves Lives

Colon cancer often develops silently. Early-stage disease rarely causes symptoms, which is why routine screening is so important.

“Early recognition is key,” said Dr. Petros. “When colon cancer is caught in its earliest stages, survival rates can be as high as 90 percent.”

However, if the disease is discovered after symptoms appear and it has already spread, survival rates drop significantly.

Screening helps prevent this by detecting and removing polyps before they become cancerous.

What to Expect When Preparing for a Colonoscopy

Preparation is one of the most important parts of the colonoscopy process.

“We can’t find disease if we can’t see clearly,” Dr. Petros explains. “A thorough bowel cleanse allows us to perform a high-quality inspection.”

Modern preparation methods are significantly easier than they used to be. Lower-volume liquid solutions and tablet options make the process more tolerable and convenient than older methods.

Although preparation can feel like a temporary inconvenience, the peace of mind and preventive benefits far outweigh the short preparation period.

Lifestyle Habits That Reduce Colon Cancer Risk

While screening plays a major role in prevention, healthy habits can also reduce the risk of colon cancer.

“What’s good for the heart is good for the intestinal tract as well,” Dr. Petros said.

A heart-healthy lifestyle that supports colon health includes:

• Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying physically active
• Limiting processed foods and excessive alcohol
• Following heart-healthy dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet

These habits support both cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health.

Take Control of Your Preventive Health

Colonoscopy screening is one of the most powerful tools available to prevent colon cancer. By detecting and removing precancerous polyps early, it can stop cancer before it ever begins.

Dr. Petros encourages adults to take a proactive approach to their health.

“I strongly encourage anyone to discuss colon cancer screening with their primary care provider,” said Dr. Petros. “Preventive screening is one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term health.”

Schedule Your Colonoscopy

If you are 45 or older or have risk factors for colon cancer, now is the time to talk with your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy.

Recently named one of the nation’s best ASCs by Becker’s, GI of Norman is leading the way in preventive care. Call 405-515-2777to schedule a consultation with Norman Regional’s gastroenterology team.

Early detection can save lives — and a colonoscopy could be the most important screening you receive this year.