Medically reviewed by Ryan Bendl, DO FACS FASCRS

For many adults, the word colonoscopy brings up anxiety, discomfort or a long list of reasons to put it off. But colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent or catch cancer early, when it’s most treatable. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, let’s clear up some of the most common myths that keep people from getting screened.

Myth #1: “I don’t have symptoms, so I don’t need a colonoscopy.”

The truth: Colorectal cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms, especially in its early stages. By the time symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss appear, the disease may already be more advanced.

Screening is designed to catch problems before symptoms start and sometimes even before cancer develops at all. Colonoscopies can detect and remove precancerous growths, known as polyps, which effectively prevents cancer from developing.

Myth #2: “A colonoscopy is painful.”

The truth: Most patients report little to no discomfort during or after the procedure. Colonoscopies are typically performed under sedation, meaning you’ll be relaxed and likely won’t remember the exam at all.

The procedure itself usually takes 30 minutes or less, and many people are surprised by how easy it feels compared to what they expected. For most, the anticipation is far worse than the reality.

Myth #3: “The preparation is unbearable.”

The truth: While bowel prep isn’t anyone’s favorite part, it has improved significantly over the years. A clean colon allows the doctor to clearly see the colon lining and identify even small polyps or abnormalities. Inadequate prep can obscure visibility, potentially leading to missed findings or the need to repeat the procedure sooner than expected.

Updated options for prep may include:

• Drinking a lower-volume liquid solution rather than large amounts of fluid
• Splitting the prep into doses taken the evening before and the morning of the procedure
• Using pill-based prep options, combined with clear liquids

Your provider will recommend the option that’s safest and most appropriate for you, taking into account your health history and preferences.

Myth #4: “I’m too young to worry about colorectal cancer.”

The truth: Colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults. In fact, rates of colorectal cancer in people under 50 have been rising steadily over the past several decades.

According to national data:

• Colorectal cancer is now one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in adults under 50
• Cases in adults ages 45–49 have increased enough that screening guidelines were updated to recommend starting routine screening at age 45 for average-risk individuals

While the exact reasons for this increase aren’t fully understood, factors such as diet, physical inactivity, obesity, and gut health may play a role.

For individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain genetic conditions, screening may be recommended even earlier. Age alone shouldn’t prevent you from discussing your risk or your screening options with your healthcare provider.

Myth #5: “A colonoscopy is only for people at high risk.”

The truth: While colonoscopies are especially important for people at higher risk, they’re also a key screening option for people at average risk. In fact, most colorectal cancer cases occur in people with no known family history.

One of the biggest benefits of colonoscopy is its ability to detect and address abnormalities early, often before they cause symptoms or become cancerous. Polyps can be removed during the same procedure in which they’re found, reducing future cancer risk without additional treatment.

While stool-based tests are another effective screening option for some people, colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive test because it allows both diagnosis and prevention in one exam. Your provider can help determine which screening option is right for you.

Myth #6: “If something is found, it automatically means cancer.”

The truth: Finding a polyp does not mean you have cancer. While most polyps are benign, many cancers start out as polyps.  They are removed to prevent such progression.

The goal of screening is to find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer. In many cases, removing a polyp during a routine colonoscopy is all that’s needed; no further treatment is required.

Myth #7: “I can’t afford the time off or recovery.”

The truth: Most people return to normal activities the next day. You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure due to sedation, but downtime is minimal.

From a time-investment perspective, a colonoscopy every 10 years (for average-risk individuals with normal results) is a small commitment compared to the time, complexity and impact of treating advanced colorectal cancer.

The Bottom Line: Screening Saves Lives

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early. Colonoscopy myths often stand in the way, but the facts are reassuring: the test is safe, effective and far more manageable than many people expect. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, take the opportunity to talk with your healthcare provider about screening. Whether it’s a colonoscopy or another recommended test, the most important step is getting screened. Call 914.909.6416 to schedule a screening at WMCHealth.