Adults Above 50 Should Get Regular Colorectal Screenings

Colorectal cancer is a preventable disease, but more than 148,800 cases will be diagnosed in 2008 and an estimated 49,960 people will die from the disease, according to the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths of men and women in the United States. More than 90% of colorectal cancer cases occur in adults age 50 and older, but regular screening of all men and women aged 50 and older would prevent about 60% of deaths from colon cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some risk factors other than age for colorectal cancer are having a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and having an inflammatory bowel disease such as chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis.

During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services is urging men and women who are at risk of developing colon cancer to get screened, eat a healthy diet, remain smoke free and engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes or more on five or more days during the week.

"We want to highlight the importance of getting regular colorectal screenings starting at age 50, increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight," said Maria Greene, director of the Division of Aging Services.

Colorectal cancer can develop from polyps or lesions in the colon or rectum that become cancerous. But through regular screenings, polyps can be identify and removed before they turn into cancer.