Colon Cancer Screening A Necessity

Each year approximately 60,000 Americans die of colon cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that the number of people who pass away due to this type of cancer could be slashed in half with one simple test to the group that is the highest risk. That group? People from age 50 and up? The test? A colonoscopy.

Colon cancer starts with a growth called a pollyup that is not cancer. Testing can help your doctor find and remove these growths before they become cancerous. Assuming the test finds that colon cancer has already developed, you have a much better chance of beating it if it is found early, as with most forms of cancer. If you're 50 or older, you are in the highest risk group, but this kind of cancer has stuck people in their 30's and 40's.

Former Seattle Seahawks executive Bob Whitsitt jumped the gun on waiting until age 50, and is alive to tell his story. He is glad he did not wait. During a physical at age 48, his doctor told him he should get the screening. He figured he would get it out of the way rather than wait. He strongly feels that he is alive today because he did not wait. You can read more of his story here.