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There may be lots of things you’d rather do than have a colonoscopy, but if you’re 45 or older, it’s time to schedule it. Colon cancer is on the rise among adults and is the leading cause of cancer in the United States. Although this fact may be alarming, when detected early, it is treatable and beatable.
As the gold standard for detection, the colonoscopy enables a gastroenterologist to examine the colon for any abnormal growths or signs of cancer, such as polyps. Detecting and removing polyps significantly reduces your risk of colorectal cancer. The procedure is recommended every 5-10 years for those with average risk, but if you have a family history or other risk factors, you should consider having screenings earlier or more frequently.