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Cancer of the colon and rectum - called colorectal cancer - is the second leading cancer killer in the United States.
 

If detected early, colorectal cancer can be successfully treated 90% of the time. Colonoscopies are the gold standard for the early detection of colon cancer.
 

A colonoscopy is recommended for healthy individuals without symptoms or a family history at the age of 45.
 

20 states have legislation that requires insurance providers to cover the cost of preventative colorectal cancer screenings. Wisconsin is not among them.
 

For every dollar that is spent on the early detection of colon cancer, three are saved in treatment.
 

If you have a colon or a rectum, you are at risk for developing colorectal cancer. The most common symptom of colon cancer is no symptom.
 

If you have a change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools) see your doctor and get a colonoscopy.
 

If you have unexplained weight loss, vomiting, lack of energy, unexplained anemia, see your doctor and get a colonoscopy.
 

If you have blood in the stool or from the rectum, see your doctor and get a colonoscopy.
 

If you have abdominal pain/discomfort (gas, bloating, cramps, feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely) see your doctor and get a colonoscopy.
 

The incidence of colorectal cancer among men in their 20’s and 30’s has increased 17% over the past 20 years.
 

Fear, denial, and embarrassment are the most common roadblocks that keep people from being screened.
 

Being 45 or older is a risk factor for colon cancer.
 

You are at risk if someone in your family has a history of colon cancer or a history of polyps in the colon.
 

Ask about your family’s medical history if you don’t already know it.
 

You are at risk if you have a history of polyps in your colon.
 

You are at risk if you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease.
 

20% of colon cancers occur in people who are under the age of 50.