06/23/2026
Nobody looks forward to a colonoscopy. But here's what your doctor actually wants you to know: the prep is the whole ballgame.
A colonoscopy is one of the most effective cancer screening tools available. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. — and one of the most preventable when caught early. But none of that works if the prep isn't done right.
Here's why it matters: your doctor needs a completely clear colon to see what's actually there. If stool remains, it hides polyps. Studies show inadequate prep results in missed polyps in up to 20–25% of cases. And if the prep is insufficient, you may need to come back and do the whole thing over again within a year.
The prep is your part of the process. Do it right, and the rest is straightforward — most patients are comfortably sedated for the entire procedure, which takes 20–45 minutes. Same-day recovery. Back to normal eating the same day.
Here's the short version of what to do:
▪ 3–5 days before: switch to a low-fiber diet
▪ Day before: clear liquids only — nothing red or purple
▪ Evening before: take the prep solution as directed, stay near the bathroom
▪ Morning of: nothing to eat or drink at least 2 hours before
Screening colonoscopies are recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk adults. Your Palm Primary Care physician can order the referral as part of your routine preventive care.
Don't put it off. And when you do it, do the prep right.
Read the full guide, Link in comments.
