human
My doctor says I have to get a colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer, but I'm worried about the risks. What are the risks?
assistant
The risk of complications from a colonoscopy is low and usually involves minor discomfort or pain. However, there is also a small risk of serious complications such as bleeding, infection, perforation (rupture) of the colon wall, or even death. These risks can be reduced by following instructions for preparing for the procedure and taking necessary precautions before and during the procedure.