Colon cancer is the fourth-most-common cancer in the United States. What’s even more surprising is that colon cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in people who are non-smokers. Luckily, colon cancer is highly curable if it is found in an early stage.

In fact, colon cancer can even be prevented if polyps are detected and removed before cancer develops. The only way to detect polyps, however, is to be screened on a regular basis for colon cancer.

Who should get screened for colon cancer? Every man and woman starting at the age of 50 should be screened on a regular basis. In addition, people with a family history of colon cancer and a personal medical history of certain diseases should start getting screened before they turn 50.

Talk to your doctor about colon cancer screening.

(photo credit: euthman)