If everyone aged 50 years old or older were screened regularly, 60% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be avoided.
- Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
- More than 90% of colorectal cancer cases occur in people age 50 or older.
Reduce Your Risk
Screening can find pre-cancerous polyps so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. The most effective way to reduce your risk is by having regular colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 50.
Increasing your physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight may decrease your risk for colorectal cancer.
Personal Stories
Tom, age 66
"Even as a health professional who should know better, I had delayed and delayed getting a colonoscopy until well beyond the recommended initial screening age..."
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Harriett, age 88
"I'm a colon cancer survivor. I'm doing fine now..."
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Cindy, age 58
"My mother had colon cancer. Luckily, she was treated and is well now. But my doctor thought I should get tested when I was in my mid-40s..."
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