50 or older?
Have you had your colonoscopy?
If you’re age 50 or older, you’re at increased risk for colorectal cancer, a form of cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum. It’s one of the most common types of cancer and can be treated very successfully when detected early.
The American Cancer Society recommends people 50 and older get a colonoscopy test every 10 years for early detection and treatment. The colonoscopy also allows doctors to find and remove growths called polyps that may become cancerous.
Things you should know about this serious disease:
- It affects both men and women.
- African-Americans are at higher risk than other racial and ethnic groups.
- About 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year with colorectal cancer, and 55,000 will die.
- If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you’re at increased risk.
Protect yourself from colorectal cancer by talking with your doctor about a colonoscopy test. For information,
call the SSM St. Mary’s Endoscopy Center at
