Colon Cancer

- If everyone received their screening colonoscopy on time, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented?

- The age to start talking to your provider about colon cancer screening has dropped from 50 to 45? (Read this from the CDC).

- Certain factors about your life could make you more likely to develop colon cancer. A few include a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, tobacco use, and a low fiber, high-fat diet (See more from the CDC here). 

So what should you do?

- If you are age 45 or older, and haven't already, talk to your primary care provider about your health history and the risk factors for colon cancer that might apply to you. If you haven't been screened, also discuss your options for screening.

- If you are younger than 45, take care of your health! It's still a good idea to talk to your provider about risk factors the next time you see him or her. Exercise, eat a high fiber diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, eliminate tobacco. 

- Don't have a primary care provider? Click here to find one near you! If you have a provider, and want to make an appointment, click here to call your provider's location.