Don't Procrastinate Colon Cancer Screening

Friday, September 12, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — You don't hesitate to get a mammogram or cholesterol check. But, that colon screening keeps getting pushed down on the to-do list.

The September issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource outlines why colon cancer is a health risk that deserves attention — and regular screenings.

Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths, after lung cancer. Studies show that more than two-thirds of colon cancer deaths could be prevented if people age 50 and older were regularly screened. Yet, a recent survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that less than half of women and men age 50 and older have had a recommended screening test for colon cancer.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force strongly recommends that screenings begin at age 50 if you're at average risk for colon cancer. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and the many screening choices available.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville
Erik Kaldor
904-953-2301

Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale
Anne Tewksbury
480-301-4368

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9PK1.

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