Get Your Rear in Gear: Screening/Family History

Colon cancer is preventable!

Many people think that apart from diet and exercise, there is nothing they can do to prevent colon cancer. Nothing could be further from the truth! Colon cancer begins with a growth, called a polyp, that is not yet cancer. Removing the polyp means that it will never have a chance to develop into colon cancer. This means that we all have the power to stop colon cancer before it starts!

Who should be tested?

Everyone 50 or older needs to be tested for colon cancer. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you should be tested much earlier—usually 10 years before the age at which someone in your family was diagnosed. Remember that colon cancer does not discriminate by gender—women are just as likely to get colon cancer as men. You should get tested every 5-10 years, depending on the  type of test.

What kinds of tests are available?

There are several types of tests that find polyps and colon cancer. Ask your doctor which test is best for you. In addition to the traditional colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy, there are also virtual colonographies that are less invasive.

Remind your loved ones and save lives!

If you’ve already been tested or do not yet need to be tested, you can still save lives! Talk to your family and friends and ask them to get tested. Remind them that although the test might be a bit uncomfortable, a few minutes of discomfort can save them the devastating experience of colon cancer.

Even if you or your loved ones are years away from needing a screening, you can schedule a reminder email to be sent to you when it’s time!