Who needs a colonoscopy?

If you have no colorectal symptoms, family history of colon cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease you should have your first exam at age 50 whether you are a man or a woman since colon cancer affects both genders equally. Recent evidence suggests that African Americans should begin screening earlier at the age of 45. If you have colorectal related symptoms such as bleeding, feeling bloated,  unexplained abdominal pain, signs and symptoms of diverticulitis, etc, you should then consult your gastroenterologist to see if a colonoscopy is indicated.