What is a colonoscopy and should I get one?

Rates of colorectal cancer have risen in those under 50, but many are nervous about screening. Here’s what to know

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Colorectal cancer is the third-most diagnosed cancer and third leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, according to the Cancer Research Institute. It is also the third-most common cancer in the UK, and accounted for 12.6% of new cancer cases in the country in 2021.

Rates of the disease have dropped overall in recent decades, but in those under 50, rates have increased significantly.