When should I start colonoscopies?

At 45. The CDC's guidance is that average-risk adults should begin colorectal cancer screening soon after turning 45 - the starting age moved down from 50 because cases in younger adults have been rising. And 'screening' is not automatically 'colonoscopy': it is one option among several, some done at home - stool-based tests (FIT or FIT-DNA) on a one-to-three-year cycle, or the colonoscopy itself on a ten-year cycle when clean. The colonoscopy's advantage is that it is both detection and removal: precancerous polyps found during the exam come out in the same session, which is why the CDC notes screening can actually prevent colorectal cancer, not only find it early. Start earlier than 45 if: a parent or sibling had colorectal cancer or advanced polyps (screen from 40 or ten years before their diagnosis age, whichever comes first), you have inflammatory bowel disease, or you carry a known genetic risk. And screening ages apply to the symptom-free - blood in stool, a lasting change in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss at any age means a diagnostic look now, not a wait for 45. The prep is the part everyone dreads, and modern preps are kinder than their reputation. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you pick the test that fits.