According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. (Lung cancer is the first.) Although the rate of new colorectal cancer cases and deaths is decreasing, more than 49,000 Americans die from this disease each year.

Both men and women are at risk. Prevention is the key to avoiding or surviving colon cancer. Beginning at age 50 the following tests are recommended:  

• Annual fecal occult blood test, and
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, or
• Colonoscopy every 10 years