A surgeon speaks with a patient about colon cancer screening. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy) Just saying the word colonoscopy makes some people feel uncomfortable. But consider this: Colorectal ...

“Not all colon polyps are cancerous but all colon cancer starts as a polyp which is why everyone needs to know about them and be screened regularly for them,” says Fola May, MD, a gastroenterologist ...

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, most people don’t know when or how often to get screened. A new survey by MedStar Health found 79% of people don’t ...

Lindsay Curtis is a health & medical writer in South Florida. She worked as a communications professional for health nonprofits and the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of ...

If you’re over 50 years old, there’s a good chance you’ve had a colonoscopy. But you’re just as likely not to have had one, even though physicians have begun to recommend people have one after they ...

A colonoscopy is an exam that lets your physician see your entire colon. Before the test, your health care team will give you instructions for how to clear your colon of any stool. This process is ...

In about 5–10% of colorectal cancer patients, hereditary factors play a role, with higher percentages among younger patients.

Colonoscopy screenings are a highly effective measure for preventing colon cancer. A healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, can reduce risk but does not eliminate the need for screening.