Washington (SmartAboutHealth) - Despite a recent study which revealed that colonoscopy screenings may not be effective as previously thought, they are still very beneficial.

Colonoscopy screenings are used to help with the detection of colorectal cancer, but were shown in a recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine to not be as effective as thought.

The screenings, which were believed to be over 90% effective in detecting the cancer, are now believed to only be around 60% or 70% effective.

The test was found to turn up more false positives, false negatives, than expected.

Even though it may not be perfect though, it is still very beneficial to get a colorectal screening, just do not rely on them to fully prevent the disease.

It is recommended that once you are over the age of 50, you should get a colonoscopy screening every 10 years.