# Colonoscopy: what it is, who needs it and what results mean

_Colonoscopy: who needs it, how often, how it is done and what results mean, with Kenya guidance and costs._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/colonoscopy

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> A colonoscopy checks for polyps and cancer in the large bowel. In Kenya it is recommended for adults 45 to 75 as screening every 10 years, or after a positive stool test or symptoms, every 10 years if normal.

**Colonoscopy at a glance**

| Who needs it | How often | What results mean | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Adults 45 to 75 as screening every 10 years, or after a positive stool test or symptoms. | Every 10 years if normal. | Polyps can be removed during the test, which stops many cancers forming. | Done at hospitals with an endoscopy unit; prices vary. |

## Colonoscopy: common questions

**Q: What does the Colonoscopy check for?**

A: Polyps and cancer in the large bowel.

**Q: Who should have it?**

A: Adults 45 to 75 as screening every 10 years, or after a positive stool test or symptoms.

**Q: How often?**

A: Every 10 years if normal.

**Q: How is it done?**

A: A thin camera is passed through the back passage after bowel preparation; sedation is usually offered.

**Q: What do the results mean?**

A: Polyps can be removed during the test, which stops many cancers forming.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Done at hospitals with an endoscopy unit; prices vary.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's risk assessment (Cancer risk assessments, KES 300) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [NHS, Bowel cancer symptoms](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/symptoms/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines](https://www.iccp-portal.org/resources/national-cancer-screening-and-early-diagnosis-guidelines)

## Other screening tests

- [Breast ultrasound in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/breast-ultrasound)
- [Clinical breast exam in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/clinical-breast-exam)
- [Digital rectal exam in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/digital-rectal-exam)
- [HPV test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hpv-test)
- [HPV vaccine in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hpv-vaccine)
- [Mammogram in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/mammogram)
- [Pap smear in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/pap-smear)
- [PSA test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/psa-test)