Colon cancer screening
now starts at age 45.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 45. If you've had a birthday between 45 and 75 — and haven't been screened — it's time to schedule your colonoscopy.
What changed — and why
it matters for you.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines to start at age 45. Millions of Americans in their mid-40s are now eligible — and many don't know it yet.
With over a decade of experience blending intuitive guidance, energy work, and holistic coaching, Luna Starling empowers seekers to step into their authentic power and manifest their dreams.
Every soul carries a unique light, yet life’s challenges can dim its brilliance. At Inner Alignment Coaching, we guide you to reconnect with your inner wisdom, release limiting beliefs, and create a life aligned with your truest essence.
Am I Due for Screening?
Age 45 — First Screening
If you turned 45 and haven't been screened, you're due now. The new guidelines apply to all adults at average risk. Don't wait for symptoms — screening finds cancer before symptoms appear.
Family History of Colon Cancer
If a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) was diagnosed with colorectal cancer or polyps, you may need to begin screening earlier — often at 40 or 10 years before their diagnosis age.
- Board-Certified GI Physicians
- Rapid Appointments
- Most Insurances Accepted
- Multiple Lowcountry Locations
45
The new recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening — down from 50
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
90%
Of colorectal cancers are preventable or treatable when caught early through regular screening
American Cancer Society
#3
Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer and 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
CDC
Important update: Screening guidelines for colonoscopy changed recently. Adults ages 45–75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. If you turned 45 and haven't scheduled your colonoscopy, you may be past due. Palmetto GI offers rapid appointments — most patients are seen within days, not weeks.
Why the guidelines changed
1
2
3
4
Rising rates in younger adults. Colorectal cancer diagnoses in adults under 50 have increased steadily over the past two decades — a trend that prompted new research and updated recommendations.
Polyps take years to develop. Most colorectal cancers begin as small, benign polyps. Screening at 45 gives physicians a window to find and remove polyps before they become cancerous.
Early detection saves lives. The 5-year survival rate for localized colorectal cancer is over 90%. When caught late, that rate drops dramatically — which is why earlier screening matters.
Screening = prevention. Unlike most cancer screenings, a colonoscopy doesn't just detect cancer — it can prevent it by removing polyps during the same procedure.
Who should schedule
a colonoscopy now.
Age is the most common trigger — but several other factors move colonoscopy from recommended to urgent. Review the categories below and talk with your Palmetto GI physician about the right schedule for you.
Previous Polyps Found
If polyps were found during a prior colonoscopy, your physician will recommend a follow-up schedule based on polyp type, size, and number — often every 3 to 5 years rather than 10.
Symptoms That Need Evaluation
Rectal bleeding, persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or chronic abdominal pain are all symptoms that warrant prompt colonoscopy evaluation — regardless of age.
10-Year Follow-Up Due
If your last colonoscopy was clear and it's been 10 years, you're due for your next screening. If it's been longer than 10 years, schedule as soon as possible regardless of other risk factors.
IBD or Crohn's Disease
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis have an elevated risk for colorectal cancer and often require more frequent surveillance colonoscopies.
Call or Request Online
Call our office or request an appointment online. Most patients are scheduled within days.
Pre-Procedure Consultation
A brief conversation with your physician to review your history and confirm the right screening plan.
Prep at Home
Clear prep instructions provided. Our team walks you through every step so there are no surprises.
Procedure Day
Outpatient. Sedated. Typically under an hour. You'll be comfortable throughout. A driver will be needed.
Results & Next Steps
Your physician discusses findings with you. Any polyps found are removed during the procedure.
Simple from Start to Finish
What to expect at
Palmetto GI.
We've designed the colonoscopy experience to be as simple and stress-free as possible — from your first call to your follow-up conversation. Here's what to expect.
The Palmetto GI Difference
Digestive health care
made simple.
Every Palmetto GI physician is board-certified in gastroenterology and focused exclusively on digestive health. You're not seeing a generalist — you're seeing a specialist.
Board-Certified GI Specialists
Multiple Convenient Locations
Palmetto GI serves the Lowcountry from multiple locations — so expert GI care is close to home. No long drives, no out-of-network referrals for most patients.
Personalized, Compassionate Care
We take the time to understand your history, your concerns, and your goals. Every care plan at Palmetto GI is built around you — not a protocol.
Most Insurances Accepted
Palmetto GI accepts most major insurance plans. Preventive colonoscopy for average-risk adults is typically covered at 100% under the ACA — with no out-of-pocket cost to you.
READY TO SCHEDULE?
Take control of your
digestive health.
Screening is the single most powerful step you can take to prevent colorectal cancer. Palmetto GI makes it simple — from your first call to your results conversation.
Does a colonoscopy hurt?
Colonoscopies are performed with sedation, so most patients feel little to nothing during the procedure. You'll be comfortable throughout, and the procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes. Afterward, you may feel mild bloating that resolves quickly.
Is the prep really that bad?
Prep has improved significantly in recent years. Modern prep options involve smaller volumes of liquid, and our team provides clear, step-by-step instructions to make it as manageable as possible. Most patients report the prep is the hardest part — but manageable.
Everything you want to
know before you go.
Common Questions
Is colonoscopy covered by insurance?
Under the Affordable Care Act, preventive colonoscopy for average-risk adults ages 45–75 is covered at 100% — no copay, no deductible. Palmetto GI accepts most major insurance plans. We recommend confirming your specific coverage with our billing team when you call.
How long does the whole process take?
Plan for most of the day. The procedure itself takes 30–45 minutes, but with check-in, prep, sedation, and recovery time, most patients are at the facility for 2–3 hours. You'll need a driver to take you home due to sedation.
What if polyps are found?
If polyps are found, your Palmetto GI physician can remove them during the same procedure in most cases. This is called a polypectomy, and it's one of the most powerful aspects of colonoscopy — it stops potential cancer before it starts. Polyps are then sent to pathology for analysis.
How often do I need a colonoscopy?
For average-risk adults with a normal result, colonoscopy is typically repeated every 10 years. If polyps are found, your physician will recommend a follow-up interval based on polyp type, number, and size — often 3 to 5 years. High-risk patients may need more frequent screening.
I don't have any symptoms. Do I still need one?
Yes — and this is one of the most important points about colonoscopy. Early-stage colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps often produce no symptoms at all. By the time symptoms appear, the disease has often progressed. Screening at 45 finds problems before you feel them.
How quickly can I get an appointment at Palmetto GI?
Palmetto GI prioritizes rapid access to care. Most patients are able to schedule a consultation or procedure within days of calling. We understand that waiting isn't always an option when it comes to your health — and we've built our scheduling around that belief.
Palmetto GI — Digestive Health Made Simple
You're 45. This is your sign.
Schedule your screening today.
Screening is the single most powerful step you can take to prevent colorectal cancer. Palmetto GI makes it simple — from your first call to your results conversation.
Formerly Palmetto Digestive Disease
We know that when something feels wrong — or when you're overdue for screening — waiting weeks isn't acceptable. Most patients see a Palmetto GI physician within days of calling.
Rapid Appointments