In a study of 90,000 individuals, colonoscopy reduced the risk of colon cancer by 40%.

Almost 90,000 individuals were followed over 20 years via questionnaire. Specifically, they were asked if they had screening colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or no screening.

A 40% decrease in the risk of colon cancer was found with colonoscopy.  Moreover, screening sigmoidoscopy and screening colonoscopy were associated with lower mortality from colorectal cancer, as compared with no endoscopy.

In the authors analysis, negative colonoscopy was associated with a significantly reduced incidence of colorectal cancer up to 15 years after the procedure.  Screening colonoscopy starts at age 50.  So what are you waiting for?

For more on the study click here