If you are age 50 or older, colon health screening could save your life. With regular screening, you can stop colon cancer before it starts. Colon cancer starts with a growth, also called a polyp, which is not cancer. Colon health screening can find and remove growths before they develop into cancer. Colon health screening is strongly recommended by the American Cancer Society and by the U.S. Preventive Health Services Task Force.

If you can, find out if there is a history of colon cancer in your family. It can help your medical provider decide if you need screening before age 50 and which screening test is right for you. It is important to have a colon health screening if you are age 50 or older, even if you feel fine and have no family history of colon cancer.

There are four recommended screening tests for colon cancer. Talk to your medical provider to find out which test is best for you and when you should be screened. People who have a family history of colon cancer may need screening earlier than age 50.

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
Double contrast barium enema

A healthy colon is the main requirement if you want to lower your risk for colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the US, with over 70 million Americans suffering from one form of bowel problem or another, all of which can raise the risk for the development of colon cancer.

Fortunately, you can take active steps to ensure that you keep your risk for developing the disease at its minimum. These include:

Following a healthful diet (read: low in fat, processed oils and refined sugars; low in red meat; high in fiber; adequate amounts of fluids)
Exercising regularly
Lose weight
Quit smoking
Checking for a familial history of diseases in the gastrointestinal system
Going on a screening program if 40 to 50 years old and beyond. An annual digital exam and a stool sample test is recommended for people 40 and older. A colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years is added if the patient is 50 or older
Be alert for symptoms of bowel problems and seek consultation immediately when they arise. Symptoms to look out for include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, presence of an abdominal mass