- Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, accounting for about 20% of all cancer deaths.
- This year alone, more than 131,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer.
- 30,000 lives a year could be saved if everyone over 50 or at risk got screened for colon cancer.
- The number of deaths in the U.S. from colorectal cancer has been decreasing over the past 15 years. This decline is attributed in large part to colonoscopies.
- Starting at age 50, men and women should be screened regularly for colon cancer.
- Regular screening tests can detect pre-cancerous polyps. Removal of these polyps can prevent cancer from developing.
- When detected and treated early, the five-year survival rate is over 90%.
- If you have symptoms at any age, it is important to get screened.
