Thu, Jun 19, 2025 at 05:17 AM

Why Everyone 45 Or Older Needs To Ask About A Colonoscopy.

Learn why colon screening is an important health strategy for those age 45 or older.

Why should I ask my doctor for a colonoscopy referral when I am still relatively young?

Totally fair question — it’s one a lot of people have when their doctor brings it up. The need for a colonoscopy, even at a younger age, usually comes down to prevention and early detection.

Below are a few common reasons why you might be recommended one even if you're relatively young. If you're not sure why your doctor is recommending a colonoscopy it’s worth asking them directly — they’ll usually be basing it on some risk factor or symptom. But if it’s purely preventative, think of it like a tune-up for your health — it's always better to catch something early than to be surprised later.

1. Family History of Colorectal Cancer or Polyps
If you have a close relative (parent, sibling, child) who had colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps, especially before age 50, your risk is higher. Guidelines often suggest starting screening earlier in that case — sometimes as early as your 20s or 30s.

2. Symptoms
If you're experiencing symptoms like those below, a colonoscopy might be necessary to find out what’s going on.

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel habits

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis increase your risk of colon cancer over time, and doctors often do regular colonoscopies to monitor for early signs of problems.

4. Previous Polyps
If you’ve had a colonoscopy before and polyps were found, even if benign, you may need more frequent check-ins.

5. New Screening Guidelines
The general recommendation used to be starting at age 50, but many guidelines (including from the American Cancer Society) now suggest starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals, because colon cancer is increasingly showing up in younger people.