I had a colonoscopy 7 years ago and they found polyps, which were removed. I had no symptoms but my Mom died at age 56 from metestatic colon cancer. I was aged 49 at that time, and really had to push the doc to refer me for the test. When I went back 4 years later for another test, the doc said that if I had not had the first colonoscopy, by then I would have colon cancer. That made me sit up straight and listen. I need to go back in the Fall for another one- I dread the prep but the test is no big deal. Sure, there are risks, but think of the consequences of not going. Moral of the story- everybody should have a colonoscopy after age 50. Enough said.