Lauren Shea, MD, earned her Doctorate of Medicine at the Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Ga. She is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
March 17, 2025
Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States, after lung cancer. In 2024, about 152,810 people were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer, and around 53,010 people died from it.
The good news is that a colonoscopy can help prevent colon cancer. Doctors can find and remove small growths called polyps during this test before they become cancer. If cancer is found early, treatment works better. That’s why it’s important to raise awareness—many cases of colon cancer can be prevented!
What Is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a test that looks inside your large intestine (also called the colon) for polyps, cancer, or irritated tissue. Doctors recommend that everyone start getting colonoscopies at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer, your doctor may suggest getting one earlier.
What to Expect
Before the Procedure
The day before your colonoscopy, your doctor will ask you to drink a special liquid to clean out your colon. You will also need to follow a clear liquid diet, which means you can drink water, juice, Gatorade, and broth.
During the Procedure
On the day of your colonoscopy, you will go to the hospital or surgery center, where you will meet your care team. This includes nurses, your doctor, and the anesthesia provider.
You will be given medicine to help you sleep so you won’t feel or remember the procedure. The doctor will use a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera to look inside your colon. If the doctor finds any polyps or unusual tissue, they can remove them immediately to help prevent cancer. Afterward, your care team will tell you what they found.
After the Procedure
Once you wake up, you might feel a little gassy or bloated, but that should go away in about 30 minutes. You should not feel any pain. The sleep medicine usually wears off within 15 to 30 minutes.
After you leave, you can eat a regular meal. Your bowel movements may take a day or two to return to normal.
Why a Colonoscopy Matters
A colonoscopy is an important test that can help prevent colon cancer. Talk to your primary care doctor about when you should get one. If you need a colonoscopy, your doctor will send a referral to a specialist to do the procedure.
Taking care of your health is important—getting a colonoscopy could save your life!
