Everyone knows someone who has had a colonoscopy and heard the stories about the preparations. Wouldn’t you rather have a day ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Physician who writes about the rising rates of cancer in young adults. Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

For those approaching or over age 45, the very word—colonoscopy—can elicit waves of dread. However, these screenings truly save lives. Colonoscopies are considered the “gold standard” for screening.