If you are aged 50 or older, and have not had a colonoscopy, now is the time to schedule one. Do not put off this important preventive screening exam. A colonoscopy is one of the best tools available to help detect and prevent colon cancer.
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States. It is also the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. The risk of developing colon cancer increases for anyone aged 50 or more. In fact, 90% of all cancers affect people aged 50 and over. Other colon cancer risk factors include:
- Family history of colon cancer or adenomatous polyps
- Crohns/ulcerative colitis
- Diet high in red meats (beef, liver, lamb)
- Obesity/lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- Alcohol use greater than 2 drinks a day