The general recommendation for when to get a colonoscopy depends on your risk level for colorectal cancer:
- For people at average risk (no personal or family history of colorectal cancer, no inflammatory bowel disease, or genetic syndromes), the American Cancer Society and most experts recommend beginning regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45. This can include colonoscopy or other screening tests. Screening should continue regularly until age 75. Between ages 76 and 85, the decision to continue screening is individualized based on health status, prior screening, and preferences. After age 85, screening is generally not recommended.
- People at increased or high risk due to family history, previous polyps or cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, genetic syndromes, or prior radiation to the abdomen may need to start screening earlier than 45, be screened more often, or undergo colonoscopy specifically. For such cases, personalized guidance from a healthcare provider is important.
- There is some discussion in the medical community about lowering the starting age for colonoscopy screening below 45 due to rising colorectal cancer rates in younger adults, but currently, 45 remains the standard age for average-risk individuals.
In summary, if you are at average risk, you should get your first colonoscopy at age 45. If you have risk factors such as family history or inflammatory bowel disease, consult your doctor about possibly starting screening earlier.
