Colonoscopy
Why It Is Done
Colonoscopy is done to:
- Check for colorectal cancer or polyps.
- Reference This test is 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.
- Your doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent testing if you have a higher risk of colorectal cancer. 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 Reference iron deficiency anemia Opens New Window.
- Check for the cause of sudden, unexplained weight loss.
- Check the colon after abnormal results from a Reference CT scan Opens New Window, Reference MRI Opens New Window, virtual colonoscopy, stool test, or Reference barium enema Opens New Window.
- Watch or treat Reference inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Opens New Window.
- Check for the cause of long-term, unexplained belly pain.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference December 7, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
