One.
One.

Platform

Company

Resources

Create Account

One Health helps you track and understand your health simply.

Create Account

One Health helps you track and understand your health simply.

Colorectal cancer screening/surveillance (colonoscopy)

Cancer

Risk-basedRisk-based (set by your clinician/gastroenterologist)30–60 minutes (plus ~1–2 hours recovery; you may need a ride home)

Colonoscopy examines the colon and can remove polyps, which can prevent colorectal cancer.

Guidance for your location

Location
Country
Select a country only if you want local program matching.
Region-specific program details are not available for this location yet, but you can still use the general profile information.
Recommended Age
Risk-based
Frequency
Risk-based (set by your clinician/gastroenterologist)
Duration
30–60 minutes (plus ~1–2 hours recovery; you may need a ride home)

Overview

Colonoscopy uses a flexible camera to examine the inside of the colon and rectum. It is commonly used as follow-up after an abnormal FIT, and it is also used for surveillance in people at higher risk (for example, prior advanced polyps, colorectal cancer history, or certain family/genetic risk). Because polyps can be removed during the procedure, colonoscopy can both detect and prevent cancer.

Who Should Get This Screening

  • People who need follow-up after an abnormal FIT.
  • People with higher-risk personal or family history where colonoscopy is recommended (your clinician will advise).
  • People with colorectal symptoms often undergo colonoscopy as part of diagnostic evaluation.
  • Screening/surveillance intervals depend on your risk and any findings (individualized).

What to Expect

You’ll follow a bowel preparation to clean the colon. During the procedure, you usually receive sedation for comfort. A clinician advances a camera through the rectum to examine the colon; polyps can be removed and biopsies can be taken. You’ll need time to recover afterward.

How to Prepare

Follow these tips to prepare for your screening

  • Follow the bowel prep instructions exactly (clear-liquid diet + laxative solution).
  • Tell the clinic about blood thinners, diabetes medications, and allergies.
  • Arrange for someone to take you home if you will receive sedation.
  • Plan for the day off work/school.

Benefits

  • Can remove precancerous polyps and prevent cancer.
  • High diagnostic accuracy for many lesions.
  • Provides a clear follow-up pathway after abnormal FIT.

Things to Consider

  • Rare bleeding, especially after polyp removal.
  • Rare perforation (tear) of the colon wall.
  • Sedation-related risks (uncommon).
  • Bowel prep can be uncomfortable and may affect hydration.

Guideline Source: Provincial programs + gastroenterology surveillance guidance

This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.