Emily don't do the colonoscopy. Do not let doctors talk you into it either. Yes, for most people it is a harmless procedure but there's a high risk of tearing the colon and it's why I refuse to do it. I'm 49 and get harassed regularly by my doctor to have it done. I won't.

I have a negative bias towards most medical invasive procedures. Unless I have symptoms, no doctor is inserting anything into me. Plus, doctors get financial incentives when they perform invasive procedures like colonoscopies. They make money on every patient they do a colonoscopy. Now, while I appreciate doctors, the last thing I want to do is be their cash cow for them, willingly. No thanks.

There are alternative ways to test your colon for colon cancer. These are non-invasive ways and much safer. It's what I plan to do if I ever need to. If colon cancer doesn't run in your family, then you are low-risk. Then, if I were you, I'd view the colonoscopy as an unnecessary procedure on you -- especially if you have zero symptoms of colon cancer.

1. Fecal immunochemical testing
2. Fecal occult blood testing
3. Stool DNA
4. Sigmoidoscopy
5. CT colonography
6. Double-contrast barium enema
7. A single-specimen gFOBT

Colonoscopy alternatives: 7 other tests for colon cancer

Seriously think about why you need a colonoscopy. Do you? Are you at risk? Do you have symptoms? If the answer is "no" to those questions, then I think you should not go through with it. Just because you turn 50 doesn't mean you automatically need to be poked and prodded. But if you feel it will set your mind at east, then have the procedure done and hope for the best.