Colonoscopy

Experts now recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at age 45. Colonoscopies are the “gold standard” of testing for detecting colon cancer. During the test, a physician (usually a gastroenterologist or general surgeon) uses a long, thin, flexible, lighted tube to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and the entire colon. The physician can find and remove most polyps and some cancers during the exam. Colonoscopy is recommended every five to 10 years for those at average to low risk.