Dr. Hibberd's answer:
 

Yes, you should have a colonoscopy. This scope exam will pick up polyps that so commonly precede the development of colon cancers. Although most polyps never will undergo a malignant change, it is wise to have them removed when your colonoscopy is done because the bowel is so well hidden from view, and changes are often not seen until growths become quite large.
 

Any polyps present are usually small, and will be examined by a pathologist looking for any pre-malignant or malignant-appearing changes. Despite a negative family history (which is good), colonoscopy exams by the age of 50 provide us a direct view of colon health, and help identify patients who need closer monitoring for the development of colon cancer.