Colon Cancer
It is a common misconception that colon cancer is a disease that mainly affects men. The reality is that colon cancer is just as common in women as it is in men. The good news is that colon cancer is one of the most preventable of all cancers.
Most colon cancers start out as benign, pre-cancerous growths called polyps. By having a test called a colonoscopy, the polyps can be removed before they grow into a cancer. In this manner, about 90% of all cases of colon cancer can be prevented.
A routine colonoscopy is recommended for every man and woman age 50 and over, even if you are showing no symptoms, because polyps in the colon generally do not cause any symptoms. If you have a family history of colon cancer or if you are having any intestinal problems, you may need a colonoscopy before age 50.
People are often reluctant to have a colonoscopy because they are afraid it will be painful. However, with current sedation techniques it is normally a painless out-patient procedure that can easily save your life.
For more information about colon cancer, treatment and prevention, please click here.