What is a Colonoscopy?
 A colonoscopy is a test that involves inserting a camera inside the rectum and colon to screen for signs of cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in America and the second most common cause of cancer deaths (“Colorectal Cancer,” 2008)
 
Why Get a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy can and does prevent colon cancer.  Colon cancer almost always develops slowly from a polyp inside the tract, and there are few early warning signs.  Having regular colonoscopies allows doctors to identify and remove polyps before they become cancerous. 
 
For those who have already developed colorectal cancer, early detection is key to successful treatment, usually with surgery and chemotherapy.
 
Benefits of Colonoscopy Over Other Screening Methods
 While other types of colorectal screening exist, experts agree that the colonoscopy is superior for several reasons:

• A colonoscopy provides screening of the upper as well as the lower colon
• A colonoscopy allows the physician to immediately take a biopsy of or completely remove any suspicious tissue without having to schedule another procedure.
• Colonoscopies need only be done every 10 years as opposed to yearly or every 5 years for other procedures.

That said, doctors stress the importance of having some kind of colorectal screening done, even if it is not a colonoscopy.
 
Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?
The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women at average risk have a colonoscopy once every 10 years beginning at age 50.  A person with a greater risk for the disease may need to be screened at an earlier age or more often.  Anyone with symptoms pointing to cancer should see his or her doctor immediately.
 
Is a Colonoscopy Painful?
Most people avoid getting screened because they fear discomfort associated with the procedure.  While a colonoscopy does involve inserting a long, narrow endoscope into the anus and threading it up into the rectum and colon, the patient is sedated the entire time and does not experience any pain or discomfort.
 
In fact, most who have experienced a colonoscopy will say that prepping for the exam, which includes drinking large quantities of a colon-cleansing beverage, is worse than the exam itself.