Do you have a Family Member or Loved one age 50 or older? Colon cancer is the second highest cause of death in this age group. Colon Cancer is linked to a high fat diet, a high meat diet, and diets low in fiber. Unfortunately, the United States has one of the highest colon cancer rates in the world. In the United States, the risk for colon cancer increases with age, doubling each decade after age 50 and peaking at age 70. 

Factors, which increase a persons risk for this type of cancer include: family history of Colon cancer, certain hereditary diseases of the colon, or a personal history of certain other cancers and certain dietary and lifestyle habits. Many needless deaths could be avoided by a simple screening test. Screening for colon cancer is recommended for all persons aged 50 and older. This can be with a simple test to check for blood in the stool, or by using a special tool called a colonoscope. Checking for blood in the stool should be done each year, and the colonoscopy test should be done every 10 years starting at age 50, unless recommended more often by your doctor. If you have a family member or loved one over the age of 50, be sure they are getting routine screening for colon cancer. A word from you might save their life.