Why Colonoscopies Matter: Health First – An Important Screening to Help Prevent Colon Cancer
By Space Coast Daily // March 27, 2026
Learn more about colorectal health at hf.org/digestivecare
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Colorectal cancer—often called colon cancer—is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second deadliest cancer in the United States, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
But unlike many other cancers, it often develops slowly from small growths called polyps. That gives doctors the chance to find and remove them before cancer forms.
And if cancer is present, catching it early can make a life-changing difference. That’s why a colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for screening. It can prevent cancer and detect it early, when treatment is most effective.
If you’re 45 or older—or have a family history of colon cancer—it’s important to understand colon cancer screening and colonoscopy services in Brevard County.
Five things to know before your first colonoscopy
1. What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer begins when abnormal cells grow in the colon or rectum, which are key parts of the digestive system.
In many cases, colon cancer develops from polyps, small growths that form in the lining of the colon. These polyps usually grow slowly, often taking five to ten years to develop into cancer.
This slow growth gives doctors an important opportunity to detect and remove polyps early.
During a colonoscopy, physicians can:
• Detect polyps early.
• Remove precancerous growths.
• Prevent cancer before it develops.
2. When should you get a colonoscopy?
Screening guidelines have changed in recent years because doctors are seeing more cases of colon cancer in younger adults.
Today, experts recommend:
• Routine colon cancer screening beginning at age 45.
• Earlier screening for people with family history or other risk factors.
• Continued screening through age 75, depending on overall health.
If a close family member had colon cancer, doctors often recommend screening 10 years earlier than the age at which they were diagnosed.
For example:
• If a parent was diagnosed at 50, screening may begin at 40.
• If they were diagnosed earlier, screening may start even sooner.
If you’re unsure when to begin screening, a gastroenterologist can help determine the right plan based on your health history and risk factors.
3. Who may be at higher risk for colon cancer?
While age is the most common risk factor, several factors can increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer, including:
• Family history of colon cancer or colon polyps.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
• Obesity.
• Diets high in processed or red meats.
• Sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity.
• Certain inherited genetic conditions.
4. What to expect during a colonoscopy.
– The day before your procedure.
While the preparation is often considered the most challenging part, newer options now include:
• Lower-volume liquid preparations.
• Split-dose preps.
• Tablet-based options.
Your care team will help determine the best option for you.
– During the colonoscopy.
You’ll receive medication that allows you to sleep comfortably during the exam while a thin, flexible camera is inserted to examine the colon.
If doctors find polyps, they can often remove them immediately during the procedure, helping prevent them from developing into cancer later. The procedure itself usually takes just 15 to 20 minutes.
– After the procedure.
Most patients wake up shortly after the exam and go home the same day, and doctors can typically share most findings right away, while biopsy results may take about a week.
By the next day, most people can return to their normal eating habits and daily activities.
5. Why colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for screening.
There are other screening options available, including stool-based tests that detect signs of cancer. However, these tests cannot remove polyps or prevent cancer from forming.
A colonoscopy allows doctors to:
• View the entire colon.
• Detect abnormalities early.
• Remove precancerous polyps immediately.
Because of this, colonoscopies remain the most effective tool for preventing colorectal cancer.
Take the next step for your digestive health.
Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be prevented through screening.
A colonoscopy is a fast, simple procedure that can help detect and remove polyps before they become cancer—providing long-term protection for your digestive health.
If you’re 45 or older, or have a family history of colon cancer, it may be time to talk with a specialist.
