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<h1 id="main">Is it time to get your colon checked?</h1>
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<p class="lead_text">Colorectal&mdash;or colon&mdash;cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. It&#39;s also one of the most treatable, especially if detected early.</p>
<p>Screening can not only detect colon cancer early but also can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer by finding and removing colon polyps, some of which can progress to cancer. Most medical groups recommend that people at average risk of colorectal cancer get screened regularly beginning at age 50 with a either a colonoscopy or an at-home test. However, you may be advised to start earlier if you or a close relative have had colon polyps, an inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, or other risk factors. Check with your health care provider to learn when&mdash;and how&mdash; you should get checked.</p>
<div><img alt="Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis among men and women combined. About 90% of colon cancers occur in people who are 50 and older. About nine out of every 10 people with colon cancer found and treated early are still alive five years later. 21.7 million adults age 50 to 75 have never been screened for colon cancer." class="mt-2" src="/images/uploads/multimedia/graphics-w21-colon.jpg" style="width: 620px;" /></div>
<p><a href="/images/uploads/multimedia/Infographiccolonhealth.pdf">Alternative accessible version (pdf)</a></p>
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<p><strong>Sources</strong>: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; National Cancer Institute; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</p>
<p><i class="fa fa-calendar"></i> March 01, 2021</p>
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<p>Research suggests <strong><span class="ff-purple">eating more fruits, vegetables, and fiber</span></strong> may reduce your chances of developing colon polyps.</p>
<small><strong>Source:</strong> National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases </small>
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