I definitely think you should get the test. The odds are high that this is nothing serious at all and apart from anything else, if it is a pre-cancerous polyp, it's very likely they will just remove it during the colonoscopy whereas if you don't get the colonoscopy, there is a chance it could become cancerous. So it's not to just know and adjust your lifestyle. There's also a possibility that it alone, without any further treatment, could prevent you from getting cancer.

Plus, in the more likely scenario that it is something like hemorrhoids or a fissure, it will be reassuring. If you don't get the test done, you'll be worrying, "what if it is cancer?" or "what if it was a pre-cancerous polyp and I am going to develop cancer," whereas if you know it's just a hemorrhoid, you don't have to worry any more.

I see absolutely no reason not to get it done and there are some cases in which having it done could literally save your life.

I'd say the odds are against bowel cancer, especially if you had no polyps 4 or 5 years ago, though of course anything is possible, but if there are polyps, you probably want them removed. And of course, if it is something like diverticulitis or IBD, you might benefit from treatment.

As regards being abroad, I'd just phone straight away and tell them you are abroad on that date and would it be possible to reschedule?

As regards being abroad, I'd just phone straight away and tell them you are abroad on that date and would it be possible to reschedule?

Thank you for comprehensive analysis MargaretMary. Logically you are right. The colonoscopy screening might of course consider me unsuitable for the procedure (co-morbidities)but I suspect that I shall at least find out. And thus balance risks. Research strongly indicates that surgery is counterproductive at my age and with extreme COPD (although I cycle 120-150 miles most weeks).

My thanks.

They won't be open when my flight leaves in the morning  -  I will call as soon as possible after landing!

OK, changed pre-colonoscopy assesment to day after I  return from Portugal, so only lost a few days! But by phone. Seeing as should include BP, oxygen levels and heart rates I am not sure how this works!