Bowel cancer screening involves several tests to detect cancer early, including fecal occult blood tests, colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy. Risk factors for bowel cancer include family history, inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, red meat consumption, obesity, alcohol, and smoking. People are categorized into different risk groups based on family history and age of relatives' diagnoses. Screening recommendations vary depending on a person's level of risk. Complications of colonoscopy can include issues from bowel preparation or sedation, as well as infection or perforation during the procedure.