Maureen Manning

Don’t put off that colonoscopy — it could save your life

When I turned 50, I was advised by my primary-care doctor to have a screening colonoscopy to detect colon cancer. My schedule was very busy; I had no symptoms, felt very healthy, and had no family history.

So I put it off - for a few years.

At age 54, I finally had my first colonoscopy, and the doctor found a few polyps. Even though the biopsy indicated that they were benign, the doctor said that the recommended follow-up is to have a colonoscopy in five years.

Again, my schedule was very busy, I had no symptoms and felt good. But I decided this time that I would not put it off.

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