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Family History of Colon Cancer? If so, tell your doctor,"Screen My Colon!"^TM

Did your grandparents have colon cancer? Have any of your relatives ever had polyps? Knowing the answers to questions like these could tell you if you are at an increased risk for colon cancer. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in the U.S. Take the time to learn your health history by filling out a family health tree. You may need to tell your doctor to "Screen my colon!"^TM earlier than you thought.

If you have a family history of:

• Colon or rectal cancer,
• Cancer or rectal polyps,
• Stomach or bowel problems, or
• Other diseases such as breast and ovarian cancers or Crohn’s and Colitis,

you and your family members are at a greater risk of developing colon cancer.

Although everyone should be tested for colon cancer beginning at age 50, if you have a family history of colon cancer, you and your close family members (parents, brothers, sisters, or children) should begin getting regular screenings for colon cancer even earlier to catch the disease in its early stages, when it is most easily treatable. You should read about the other increased risks for colon cancer as well. Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, often does not have symptoms. If you wait for symptoms before getting screened, it may be tougher to treat. Screening tests help your doctor find and remove polyps to prevent colorectal cancer before these polyps develop into cancer. Read more about who should be tested and when.

Are you 50 or older? Do you know if you are at an increased risk for colon cancer? Learn more and tell your doctor to "Screen my colon!"^TM because colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in the U.S.  You can significantly reduce your risk by getting a screening test.

About the "Screen My Colon!"^TM Campaign

In 2010, the CCA launched the first of a series of yearly animated healthcare awareness videos to increase the general public's understanding of colon cancer and the need to be screened for the disease. We hope that you share these videos with your friends and help us spread the message that screening saves lives.