My mom never had a colonoscopy. how could that happen?

Ask mom?: Did she refuse? Was she offered the test? Does she not meet criteria to have the test done?

Encourage her get it: Colonoscopy screening is standard of care, & recent data shows significant survival advantage when adenomas (pre-cancerous polyps) are colonoscopically detected & removed. Your mom is not unique in that too few eligible patients avail themselves of the technique. Many new preparations exist that should minimize her objections to use, & sedation has advanced to negate concerns about discomfort.