how often do you need a colonoscopy

Most people need a colonoscopy once every 10 years starting at age 50 if they are at average risk for colorectal cancer. The frequency may increase to every 5 years after age 60 or sooner if there are higher risks such as family history of colorectal cancer, previous polyps, or conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Those with very high risk or prior findings may need colonoscopies even more frequently, such as every 1 to 3 years depending on the situation.