Colonoscopy

Why It Is Done

Colonoscopy is done to:

• Check for colorectal cancer or polyps.
  • Tests are recommended by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American College of Gastroenterologists (ACG), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
  • These groups recommend routine testing for people age 50 and older who have a normal risk for colorectal cancer.
  • People with a higher risk, such as African Americans and people with a strong family history of colon cancer, should be tested sooner. Talk to your doctor about when you should be tested.
• Check for the cause of blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.
• Check for the cause of dark or black stools.
• Check for the cause of chronic diarrhea.
• Check for the cause of iron deficiency anemia.
• Check for the cause of sudden, unexplained weight loss.
• Check the colon after abnormal results from a stool test or a barium enema test.
• Watch or treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Check for the cause of long-term, unexplained belly pain.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: August 11, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.