What age should you get a colonoscopy with family history

There’s no such thing as too early for a colonoscopy if your family has a history of bowel cancer.

The recommends that you should start getting regular colonoscopies when you turn 45 if you’re at average risk for cancer.

How often to have colonoscopy if polyps found

The numbers for average risk is about .

You may need to start earlier if you’re at high risk, or if you have a previous bowel cancer diagnosis. Anecdotally, some doctors recommend getting screened as young as 35 if a parent was previously diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

An important note: Without a cancer diagnosis, some insurance companies can limit how often you can get screened.

If you’re screened at 35, you may not be covered for another screening until you’re 40 or 45. Research your own coverage.

Some conditions or family health histories can put you at a higher risk of .

Here are some factor to consider earlier or more frequent colonoscopies because of a higher risk of colorectal cancer:

• your family has a history of colorectal cancer or cancerous polyps
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