Time to Prep for Colonoscopy? Here’s What You Should Know

March 11, 2026

Smiling Black Doctor In Uniform Consulting Female Patient During Meeting In Clinic

Every day, Americans prep for a��colonoscopy. The��anticipates��more than 150,000 of them will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer in 2026. For others, this screening tool helps find polyps, growths that can become cancer.��

“A colonoscopy is an incredibly important exam that looks inside your colon to detect polyps,” says��Dr. Felice H. Schnoll-Sussman, professor of clinical medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, and director of the��Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health��at AV�о��/NewYork-Presbyterian. “By identifying these polyps and taking them out at the time of the colonoscopy, we can actually help someone avoid getting colon cancer.”��

Should You Prep for a Colonoscopy?��

While other tests can detect colon or rectal cancer, colonoscopy��remains��the gold standard. In fact, if other tests��indicate��cancer, a colonoscopy is necessary for diagnosis. Knowing��when to prep for and undergo a colonoscopy helps you detect cancer early.��

If��you’r��at average risk, your first colonoscopy should take place at age 45. You can then repeat the exam every decade if nothing abnormal is found.��

If��you’r��at increased risk for��colorectal cancer, you may��benefit��from earlier or more frequent testing. Your risk increases with the following:��

Family history of colorectal cancer��
Genetic predisposition for colon or rectal cancer��
Personal history of colorectal cancer or specific types of polyps��
Radiation exposure to the abdomen or pelvis��
Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease��or other inflammatory bowel disease��

How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy��

“The most important thing is that the inside of the colon is clean so the physician can identify all the polyps and take them out,” Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says. “Complying with all the instructions is probably one of the most important things you can do to prep for your colonoscopy, so you get clear test results.”��

In the days leading up to your screening test for colorectal cancer, prep instructions may include the following:��

Stop medication.��Ibuprofen, blood��thinners��and other medications can increase your risk for bleeding and other complications. Your doctor may have you stop taking these a week beforehand.��
Go��low-fiber.��A few days before your colonoscopy,��it’s��good to follow a low-fiber diet. That means no whole grains, seeds or fruits and vegetables with seeds or skin.��
Clear your colon.��During the final 24 hours before your exam, you should avoid solid foods and be on a liquid diet. Along with drinking only clear liquids,��you’ll��take medication that will cause you to have multiple bowel movements. Your doctor may tell you not to drink or eat at all the morning of your procedure.��
Recruit help.��Have a family member or friend��accompany��you to your colonoscopy. This person should drive��you��home, since��you’ll��receive sedatives for your exam.��

“Colonoscopy is a safe, extraordinarily effective test,” Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says. “Many people wake up afterward and cannot believe the test is done.”��

Quick Facts on Getting Ready for Your Colonoscopy��

Colorectal cancer affects tens of thousands of Americans every year. Colonoscopy can detect it early or even prevent it.��

If��you’r��at average risk for colorectal cancer, you can undergo your first colonoscopy at age 45.��
You should consider undergoing a colonoscopy earlier than 45 if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors.��
To prep for a colonoscopy,��you’ll��go on a liquid diet and take medication to help clear out your colon. This helps your doctor have a clear view of your colon and rectum.��

Is it time for you to schedule your colonoscopy? If so,

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