At what age and how often should men get colonoscopy exams?

Men should begin regular colon cancer screenings at the age of 50, unless there is a strong family history of colon cancer or polyps, when exams should begin sooner, states MedlinePlus. A colonoscopy is recommended as part of a colon cancer screening once every 10 years.

A colonoscopy is a procedure administered under anesthesia in which a flexible tube is inserted into the anus. During the procedure, doctors can remove polyps and cancers before they spread. More frequent colonoscopies may be recommended if there are risk factors for colon cancer, including ulcerative colitis, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or a history of large colorectal adenomas or polyps, explains MedlinePlus.