Colonoscopy Risks and Safety Myths Debunked

Colonoscopy Risks and Safety Myths: What You Really Need to Know

A colonoscopy is one of the best tools doctors have to protect your health. It’s a screening test that lets your care team look inside your colon and rectum using a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera. If they find polyps (small growths that could turn into cancer), they can remove them right then and there. That means a colonoscopy can do double duty: screening and prevention.

But we know — the idea of a colonoscopy can bring up lots of questions, worries, and even myths. Let’s clear a few of those up.

Myth: Colonoscopies are risky

Fact: Serious risks are rare.

Hearing the word “procedure” can make people think of danger. In reality, colonoscopies are generally very safe. Most people experience only mild bloating or cramping afterward, if anything at all. Studies show the chance of serious complications is very low — less than 3 in 1,000 procedures. 

Problems like bleeding or perforation are rare and can be addressed by your medical team administering the colonoscopy. Here’s the bigger picture: the risk of not having a colonoscopy is much higher. Colorectal cancer that goes undetected until later stages is much harder to treat and more likely to be deadly.

Myth: It’s okay to skip parts of the prep

Fact: Following your prep completely is essential for a successful colonoscopy.

Studies show that about 20% of patients don’t fully follow their prep instructions. Skipping steps or not timing things correctly may seem minor, but it can have a big impact.

Here’s what can happen if prep isn’t done properly:

• Missed polyps or early cancers: If your colon isn’t fully clean, your doctor might not see small growths that could turn into cancer.
• Higher cancer risk between screenings: Poor prep can cause your providers to miss polyps that could later become cancerous.
• Need for a repeat procedure: Sometimes the test has to be done again sooner than planned.
• Longer procedure times: Extra cleaning during the test can make it take longer.
• Higher health care costs: Repeating the procedure or managing missed findings can lead to extra costs.

Following your prep carefully gives your doctor the best chance to detect and remove polyps safely. 

Tip: If you struggle with the taste or timing, call your care team — they can give advice to make it easier.

Myth: Colonoscopy prep is dangerous

Fact: Prep is safe for most people.

Yes, the prep involves drinking a solution that causes frequent bowel movements — but for most people, the side effects are mild and temporary, like cramping, nausea, or diarrhea. If you have certain health conditions, like kidney disease, your doctor may tailor the prep to make sure it’s safe for you. But overall, the prep itself is considered safe, and it plays a crucial role in helping your doctor see clearly.

Myth: Sedation is unsafe

Fact: Sedation is carefully monitored and personalized for your safety.

During a colonoscopy, sedation helps you relax or lightly sleep so you remain comfortable and calm. Some people worry they might not wake up — but sedation is standard, safe, and always administered by trained professionals. Before any medication is given, your care team takes a thorough medical history. This information helps the team choose the safest type and dose of sedation for you. During the procedure, your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing are continuously monitored. Any changes are detected immediately so adjustments can be made.

Most patients don’t remember the procedure at all, which reduces anxiety and discomfort. Because your safety is the top priority, sedation during colonoscopy is one of the most closely monitored parts of the process — making it both safe and reassuring.

Myth: Colonoscopies hurt

Fact: Most people feel little to no pain.

Thanks to sedation, many patients either nap through the test or feel calm and relaxed. Afterward, some may have mild cramping or bloating, but that usually fades within a few hours.

In fact, most people say the hardest part isn’t the procedure — it’s the prep.

Myth: Only people with symptoms need a colonoscopy

Fact: Colon cancer often grows silently.

Colorectal cancer can develop without symptoms for years. By the time signs show up, it’s often more advanced and harder to treat.

That’s why screening is so important. For people at average risk, guidelines recommend starting at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may suggest starting earlier.

Myth: At-home stool tests are just as effective

Fact: Stool-based tests are useful, but they’re not the same as a colonoscopy.

At-home stool tests look for hidden blood or abnormal DNA in your stool. While they’re convenient, they aren’t as sensitive as a colonoscopy — especially for spotting small polyps that could turn into cancer.

• Stool tests need to be repeated every 1–3 years.
• If your results are abnormal, you’ll still need a colonoscopy.
• Only colonoscopy allows doctors to both detect and remove polyps in the same test.

For average-risk patients, stool tests may be an option, but for the most thorough screening and prevention, colonoscopy remains the gold standard.

Myth: Colonoscopies aren’t worth the trouble

Fact: Colonoscopies save lives.

Colonoscopies have been shown to cut the risk of dying from colorectal cancer by as much as 88%. Because they can prevent cancer, not just detect it, they’re considered the most powerful screening tool available.

Why Trust CoxHealth?

At CoxHealth, we know the idea of a colonoscopy can feel intimidating. That’s why we put your safety and comfort first. Our care team:

• Includes board-certified gastroenterologists and surgeons
• Uses advanced equipment and best-practice safety standards
• Offers clear answers in plain language
• Provides convenient scheduling — including self-scheduling options

What to Expect: Step by Step

Knowing what’s ahead can ease a lot of nerves:

1. Before your colonoscopy: If you take blood thinners, coordinate with your primary care doctor and your colonoscopy specialist to safely adjust your medication before your procedure. If you don’t take blood thinners, you’ll usually just need to make small diet changes and follow your prep instructions in the days leading up to your colonoscopy.
2. Prep day: You’ll drink the cleansing solution — plan to stay near a bathroom.
3. Test day: You’ll check in, change into a gown, and meet your care team.
4. Sedation: You’ll relax or nap through the procedure.
5. Procedure: The doctor carefully examines your colon and removes any polyps.
6. Recovery: You’ll rest until the sedation wears off, then head home the same day.
7. Results: Your doctor will review findings and explain next steps.

Take Charge of Your Health

A colonoscopy is one of the safest and most effective steps you can take to protect yourself from colorectal cancer. Don’t let myths or fears hold you back — your health is worth it.

Ready to schedule? Call 417-875-3250 or book your screening online today.