| Colon cancer is the leading cause of cancer | | | | test involves the use of a long, flexible tube that |
| deaths among non-smokers. There are several | | | | allows the doctor to examine the lining of your |
| ways to detect colon cancer or the possible | | | | colon. The worst part of the colonoscopy is |
| onset of colon cancer, but by far the best | | | | usually the preparation beforehand that cleans out |
| defense against cancer of the colon is a | | | | the colon before the actual examination. The |
| colonoscopy. | | | | examination itself is usually performed under |
| People can develop tissue growths, known as | | | | anesthesia and is painless to the patient. It is |
| polyps, in different places along the colon. These | | | | performed as an out-patient procedure and the |
| growths can sometimes lead to cancer, so the | | | | patient can usually return to normal activity the |
| detection and removal of these polyps is a very | | | | day after the colonoscopy. |
| important part of preventing colon cancer. | | | | An estimated 150,000 people in the United State |
| Men tend to develop polyps in the lower part of | | | | are diagnosed with cancer of the colon each year. |
| the colon, while women develop these growths | | | | Colon cancer can be treated if caught early |
| deeper in the colon. There is a screening method | | | | enough. If not caught in the early stages, it can |
| known as a sigmoidoscopy, but it primarily | | | | result in the partial or total removal of the colon. |
| examines the lower 25 percent of the colon. But | | | | Don't be caught off guard by this cancer. If you |
| in order to do a thorough and complete | | | | see blood in your stool or are having other |
| examination of the colon, it is necessary to have | | | | problems with your colon, consult with your |
| a colonoscopy. | | | | doctor and see if he/she recommends that you |
| Both women and men should begin getting | | | | have a colonoscopy. The procedure is not that |
| screened for colon cancer at the age of 50. The | | | | bad and it could save your life. |