Colonoscopy every 10 years
Finds and removes polyps in one step; fewer cancers in a large trial.
What studies found
In the NordICC trial, 84,583 people were randomly invited to one colonoscopy or not. After 13 years, colorectal cancer was 19% lower in the invited group (1.46% vs 1.80%), but only 42% of them went, and the drop in deaths (0.41% vs 0.47%) was not statistically significant. The National Cancer Institute says removing polyps larger than 1 cm may lower risk.
The catch
Bleeding and bowel tears are rare but real; see Colorectal cancer screening from 45 for the figures.
What to do
If you choose colonoscopy, have it every 10 years when results are normal.
Sources
Rung 4 of 5, Strong: At least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer page.
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