Should I get a colonoscopy?

Our read is that colonoscopies are a well-supported method for preventing colon cancer, which experts state is 100% preventable because every colon cancer originates from a polyp detectable during the procedure.

Experts suggest starting colonoscopies around age 40, or earlier for those with specific risk factors, and recommend a frequency more often than every five to ten years, with some advocating for every one to three years.

While generally considered safe, individuals should weigh their personal risk-reward tradeoff and cost-benefit analysis when determining screening frequency.

Fecal occult blood testing and fecal DNA tests are sensible precursors to colonoscopy for colorectal cancer surveillance. More frequent colonoscopy surveillance may be warranted if polyps are present or if the bowel preparation is incomplete.

• 01Peter Attia and Andrew Huberman (4x) claim that colon cancer is 100% preventable because every colon cancer originates from a polyp that can be detected during a colonoscopy.
• 02Rhonda Patrick (1x) states that colonoscopy possesses 100% sensitivity and very high specificity for detecting colon cancer.
• 03Bryan Johnson (1x) notes that colonoscopy screening is associated with a 52% reduction in colorectal cancer incidence and a 62% reduction in mortality.
• 04Peter Attia (2x) claims that having a colonoscopy every one to two years makes the likelihood of developing colon cancer extremely remote.