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Colonoscopy


content provided by Healthwise

What To Think About

  • In general, pregnant women and people who have an abdominal infection or diverticulitis should not have a colonoscopy unless there is an important reason for it.
  • Colonoscopy is a more expensive procedure than a barium enema and other endoscopic colon tests (such as proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy), but it can be done less often over time if results are normal.
  • Experts recommend routine colon cancer testing for everyone age 50 and older who has a normal risk for colon 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.


Last Updated: August 11, 2008
Author:
Monica Rhodes
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology


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