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Video: Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a colorectal cancer screening test. The doctor uses a thin flexible tube to look at the lining of your colon and rectum. If abnormal areas or polyps (small growths) are found, they can be removed. This video describes how you would prepare for this test, how it is done, and the advantages and disadvantages of this screening option
More in this video series:
Learn more:
- Colorectal Screening Tests
- American Cancer Society Screening Guidelines by Age
- Insurance Coverage for Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Quiz: Colorectal Cancer
- Written by
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Last Revised: January 22, 2026
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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