The big 5-0. As more and more Baby Boomers reach this milestone, they discover 50 is a perfect age to reflect on how far they’ve come and look ahead to the possibilities of tomorrow. Not to mention that it’s the age when the deluge of mailings from AARP begins. But turning 50 also means it’s time to protect yourself from colorectal cancer. It’s one cancer you can prevent.

Colorectal cancer kills more Americans than any cancer except lung cancer. While many people think of colon cancer as a “man’s disease,” it’s really an equal opportunity killer, attacking both men and women. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, 90 percent of colon cancer deaths can be prevented through proper screening. And because nine out of 10 cases of colorectal cancer occur after age 50, it’s the perfect age to begin getting screened.

Colorectal cancer gets its start in small growths, called “polyps,” that form inside the colon or rectum. In time, some polyps can turn into cancer, but that can take years. If you find the polyps and remove them before they change, you won’t get colorectal cancer. Screening also can find cancer at its earliest stage, when it’s most likely to be cured.

There are several ways to screen for colon cancer, but most experts agree the “gold standard” is colonoscopy. A flexible, lighted tube is inserted in the rectum and into the colon so the doctor can look for polyps. If a polyp is found, it can be removed during the colonoscopy and checked for cancer. Colonoscopy is the only screening method that also enables the doctor to remove suspicious polyps during the procedure.

People often cringe at the idea of getting a colonoscopy, but most people who’ve had one agree it’s not that bad. In fact, because you’re sedated for the procedure, most people experience little or no discomfort. Best of all, if you get a clean report, you may not need another colonoscopy for 10 years. That’s a lot of peace of mind.

Colorectal cancer can start with no symptoms. By the time you notice symptoms, the disease is often at an advanced stage when it’s difficult to cure. Screening is the only way to find colon cancer early or, better yet, before it begins. And colonoscopy is the most comprehensive test available.

Medicare and most insurance plans cover colonoscopy every 10 years after age 50. If you’re 50 or above and you haven’t been screened for colorectal cancer, it’s time to talk to your doctor. 

Know the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
If you have any of the following, talk to your doctor:
• Blood in or on your stool.
• Pain, aches, or cramps in your stomach that happen a lot and you don’t know why.
• Change in bowel habits, such as stools that are more narrow than usual.
• Losing weight for no apparent reason.
These things can be caused by something other than cancer. The only way to find out is to see your doctor. TPW