Five Reasons to Check Your Colon

51% of Americans 50-54 have not been screened for colorectal cancer. We know screening saves lives. Often the hardest part of screening is picking up the phone to make the appointment. If you are over 45 and have not been screened, here are 5 reasons to make that call now.

1. You can prevent cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the country. But it doesn’t have to be! A colonoscopy can detect and remove colon polyps before they become cancer, preventing the disease from occurring. If you are unable to have a colonoscopy there are also several inexpensive stool-based tests that can be done in the privacy of your own home. Know your options.
2. Think of your family. Imagine you could have stopped colon cancer, but you didn’t. Your family needs you now and in the future. Schedule your screening, and then talk to your family about the results.
3. Early stage colorectal cancer may not have symptoms. There is a 90% 5-year survival rate when the disease is caught in early stages. That number drops to about 10% when it is diagnosed in late stages. Only 40% of patients nationwide are diagnosed with early stage disease.
4. Treat your body better than your car. A colonoscopy screening is good for 10 years! If your colonoscopy shows no polyps you don’t need to go back for 10 years. If you could find a car maintenance plan that efficient, wouldn’t you sign up on the spot?!
5. One day of prep beats months (or years) of treatment. Ask any colorectal cancer survivor and they will tell you that picking up the phone and making the appointment and the prep required for a colonoscopy is nothing compared to recovering from invasive abdominal surgery followed by chemo and radiation treatments. You have no excuse. MAKE THE CALL!

If you’re worried about colonoscopy prep, take a look at these colonoscopy prep tips to help ease your mind.

Under 45 but experiencing symptoms? Colorectal cancer is on the rise in young adults. Talk to your doctor about your experiences, make sure that you are heard and your symptoms are evaluated. Not happy with the answers you receive? Seek a second opinion.