People who should get a colonoscopy generally include:
- Adults of average risk starting regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continuing through age 75. After 75, the decision to screen depends on health and prior screening history. People over 85 typically do not need screening.
- Those with increased risk factors such as family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes (e.g., Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis), or prior radiation to the abdomen or pelvis for cancer treatment. These people require earlier and/or more frequent screenings.
- People experiencing symptoms or risk factors like obesity, diet high in fat and low in fiber, or personal/family history of bowel conditions may need screening earlier.
- Colonoscopy is typically recommended every 10 years for average risk adults, with adjustments based on individual risk factors and findings on prior colonoscopies.
In summary, colonoscopy screening is recommended to start at age 45 for most adults, earlier for those with higher risk, continuing regularly through age 75 depending on health status and risk factors.
