About.com Health: Take Care of Your Colon

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Health From Maura Corrigan, your About.com Health Editor Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., with more than 90 percent of cases occurring in people 50 or older. But 90 percent of colon cancer cases can also be prevented through screening, so if you fall in the 50-and-up age bracket and haven't been tested, make a plan to do so this Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Even Meryl Streep says to! What Are the Symptoms? One reason colon cancer screening is so important is that it can strike with no warning signs. That said, there are a number of symptoms to look out for. Arm yourself with knowledge: Symptoms of Colon Cancer Are Stomach Cramps a Sign of Colon Cancer? Gas, Bloating and Colon Cancer Changes in Bowel Movements Search Related Topics:  colon cancer symptoms  colon cancer screening  How a Diagnosis is Reached Screening for colon cancer can involve a blood test, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. If discovered in time, precancerous polyps--from which most colon cancers develop--can be removed before they turn into cancer. Diagnosing Colon Cancer What You Should Know About a Sigmoidoscopy All About Colonoscopies Preparing for Your Colonoscopy Search Related Topics:  colon cancer diagnosis  testing for colon cancer  Can You Inherit Colon Cancer? While you can't actually inherit colon cancer itself, you can inherit the genes that increase your risk of developing the disease. But in addition to regular screening, there are lifestyle changes that can reduce that risk. Family History of Colon Cancer and Your Own Risk Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk What to Eat to Prevent Colon Cancer Search Related Topics:  genetic testing for colon cancer  family history and polyps  Bowel Surgery for Colon Cancer If your screening tests for colon cancer are positive, the most common treatment is bowel surgery, in which the surgeon can completely remove the diseased portion of your colon. Treating Colon Cancer with Bowel Surgery Chemotherapy and Colon Cancer Radiation Therapy for Colon Cancer Search Related Topics:  bowel surgery  treatments for colon cancer  Related Searches Colon Cancer Tests Colon Polyps Health Symptoms Health Care It Health Plan Featured Articles Colon Polyps: What to Know Infections of the Spinal Cord All About Stage 3 Breast Cancer Should I Get the Shingles Vaccine if I'm Over 50? Is it Safe to Use an Expired Epipen? How to Fall-Proof Your Home   More from About.com 10 Easy Ways to Look Thinner Don't wait until you've lost those first pounds to make these simple, slimming changes. Read more...> Create a Shared Photo Stream Sharing your photo stream with friends and family is a great way to keep in touch. Read more...>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Health newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2012 About.com     Follow us on: Advertisement