For patients
Stay ahead of your next colonoscopy.
Free text or email reminders before you're due. Optionally connect with a clinic when you're ready to schedule.
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Why returning for colonoscopy matters.
Cited evidence and plain-language explanations — so you understand the next step, not just the statistic.
Why screening matters
Screening finds problems before they become cancer — but many people are not caught up.
Colonoscopy can find and remove polyps before they become cancer — returning on time is what makes the difference.
1 in 24
Lifetime risk of colorectal cancer for men in the U.S.
1 in 26
Lifetime risk of colorectal cancer for women in the U.S.
Only 1 in 2
U.S. adults ages 45–75 were up to date on colonoscopy screening in 2023.
Only 1 in 3
Adults ages 45–49 were up to date with colorectal cancer screening in 2023.
80%
National screening goal for adults ages 45 and older — most communities are still behind.
Sources: American Cancer Society · CDC
Why colonoscopy helps
It does not just find cancer — it can prevent it.
Colonoscopy can find and remove precancerous polyps in the same visit — something stool tests alone cannot do.
>90%
Survival when colon cancer is found early and still localized.
>50%
Lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer after adenomatous polyps were removed at colonoscopy.
Sources: American Cancer Society · New England Journal of Medicine
If you're under 50
Screening now starts at 45 — and cases are rising even earlier.
Incidence among adults under 50 has been rising in many countries. Talk with your doctor about your personal risk.
More than half
Countries and territories where colorectal cancer incidence is rising in adults ages 25–49 — including the U.S.
14–17 in 100,000
Among the highest early-onset colorectal cancer rates worldwide in recent years.
3% / year
How fast colorectal cancer incidence rose in U.S. adults ages 20–49 during 2013–2022.
Sources: The Lancet Oncology · American Cancer Society
Why coming back matters
The biggest risk is not skipping the first colonoscopy — it is missing the next one.
One colonoscopy is not enough if the reminder to come back never arrives.
~2×
More patients scheduled or completed surveillance colonoscopy with letters-and-calls reminders than with usual care.
~1.5×
More patients completed colonoscopy after a positive stool test when text-message reminders were added to usual care.
Sources: Gastroenterology · JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Words you may hear
Terms you may hear after colonoscopy
Scary words simplified
Tubular adenoma
The most common type of precancerous polyp. These are benign growths that are removed to prevent future cancer development.
Hyperplastic polyp
A common, typically benign growth usually found in the lower colon. They have a very low likelihood of becoming cancerous.
Diverticulosis
Small pouches that bulge outward through weak spots in the colon wall. Very common with age and typically harmless unless inflamed.
Hemorrhoids
Swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus. They are a common cause of painless rectal bleeding found during screening.
More terms
Polyps
Others
How often you may return
How often you may need to return
Your doctor sets your personal interval based on findings and risk.
10 years
Average-risk adults with a normal colonoscopy and no polyps
7–10 years
1–2 small tubular adenomas (<10 mm) removed at a high-quality colonoscopy
5–10 years
1–2 small sessile serrated adenomas (<10 mm) removed at a high-quality colonoscopy
3–5 years
3–4 small tubular adenomas or sessile serrated adenomas or a hyperplastic polyp ≥10 mm removed at a high-quality colonoscopy
3 years
5–10 adenomas, or an advanced adenoma (larger size, villous features, or high-grade dysplasia)
1 year
More than 10 adenomas on a single exam
Earlier than age 45
Family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps in a parent, sibling, or child under 60; or a known genetic syndrome (such as Lynch or FAP)
Guideline summary based on the 2020 U.S. Multi-Society Task Force recommendations. USMSTF
For organizations
Connect with patients due for colonoscopy.
After a BAA, reach patients in your area who choose to share when their next colonoscopy is approaching.
Get in touch