How often do you need a colonoscopy if you have polyps? Here's when you need it, and when you might not. Having a colonoscopy more than once every five or ten years usually isn't necessary. A grape-like growth, or polyp, in the colon or rectum is common in adults and usually harmless. But some polypsknown as adenomas may eventually turn into cancer., You can Find A Cancer Hospital Please Join Here, Please join All Cancer Treatment Centers, Be sure to consult your doctor, Health Guide