Vicki’s nursing career began as an licensed practical nurse at St Joseph Infirmary. In 1981, the same year Vicki earned her registered nurse degree, she and her fellow nurses became employees of what is now Norton Audubon Hospital when it opened. Vicki worked there for 29 years Most of her time was spent caring for patients after they had orthopedic surgeries. When she retired in 2009, Vicki found hobbies to fill her time. These hobbies centered on her love for the Lord and caring for others through ministry in her church. She and Joe, her husband of 62 years, were enjoying retirement and spending time with family and friends.

The (retired) nurse becomes the patient

Because she had Crohn’s disease for most of her adult life, Vicki was familiar with colonoscopies. Her gastroenterologist reminded her in 2019 that it was time for a  “scope,” and she almost said no. But thankfully, she didn’t!

The colonoscopy showed a grape-sized malignancy, and within a few weeks, Vicki was at her old stomping grounds, but this time as a patient having part of her colon removed.

“I was fortunate that the cancer was removed and I didn’t have to do any additional therapy,” Vicki said.

It was during her stay at Norton Audubon Hospital and in talking with Ingrid Smith, patient navigator, Norton Cancer Institute, that Vicki saw an opportunity to care for others. Pillows to help protect her surgery site were very comforting to Vicki, and she knew of a group who would be willing to help.

Vicki and her friends at Summit Hills Baptist Church in Pioneer Village, Kentucky, just south of Louisville, quickly got to work. As part of the mission project, they have sewn nearly 1,400 pillows, delivering them to the Norton Cancer Institute Resource Center about three times a year. The port pillows they make help patients who need a cushion between the seatbelt and their access port while riding in the car, and abdominal pillows help protect a patient’s surgery site when the patient coughs or sneezes.

“The port pillows are a special design that include Velcro to help stabilize while riding in the car,” Vicki said. “We collect donations of fabric and purchase a few things here and there, all in the name of caring for others through ministry.”

These gifts bring smiles

“Every time I gift the pillows to patients after surgery, their faces light up with a smile,” Ingrid said. “That is where I came up with the nickname of “Sunshine Ladies” for Vicki and her church group. They bring a ray of sunshine to these people who are facing cancer diagnosis and treatment.”

Vicki and her church ministry group make enough pillows that almost every post-surgical patient receives one across most Norton Cancer Institute Resource Center locations. The group’s generosity has even inspired several patients to find ways of their own to give back.

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A colonoscopy is the best way to detect colon cancer and allows the surgeon to remove any polyps or tumors during the procedure. Cologuard and FIT are simple tests you can do at home and involve little more than your bathroom and mailing a package.

Colonoscopy alternatives like stool tests are only for people with an average risk of colon cancer. Colonoscopies are still recommended if you have a close relative who was diagnosed before age 60, have any family history of inheritable cancers or have inflammatory bowel disease.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer and one of the most curable if caught early. Colon cancer screening age guidelines have been modified in recent years — people with no family history or other risk factors are now advised to start at age 45.

“Fecal colon cancer tests have made it easier to screen for colon cancer, and Cologuard catches about 92% of cancers,” said Michael F. Driscoll, M.D., medical oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute. “A fecal test is better than putting off a screening any longer.”

How colonoscopy alternatives like Cologuard or FIT work

Both tests look for signs of cancer in your stool.

Your health care provider will prescribe the test, which will arrive with instructions for collecting a sample and sending it back to the lab. In addition to Norton Community Medical Associates primary care providers, Norton Prompt Care Clinic providers can provide Cologuard prescriptions.

Cologuard looks for DNA mutations and other signs of possible colon cancer, possibly identifying colon cancer before symptoms appear. The FIT looks for hidden blood that could be from polyps or tumors.

Once you’ve collected your stool sample, you’ll place it in the return-mail package and send it off for testing.

Part of the sample collection kit includes a dish that goes under the toilet seat. Depending on the test, you’ll either use a stick or brush that comes with the kit to collect a sample. Some colonoscopy alternatives like Cologuard require you to send an entire bowel movement — however much that means for you.

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Diet, exercise and lifestyle have been shown to help reduce the risk for several diseases, including colon cancer or colorectal cancer (CRC).

Data from the World Cancer Research Fund International shows there is strong evidence eating whole grains, dietary fiber and dairy products decreases a person’s risk for colorectal cancer. Staying physically active also can reduce your risk for the disease.

On the other hand, eating red and processed meats, drinking alcohol and being overweight or obese increase a person’s risk for colon cancer.

READ MORE: What’s the right age to start getting Pap smear tests?

“If there’s a cancer that can be largely preventable, we should be doing everything we can to prevent it from happening in the first place, because really the best cancer to cure is the one that never happens,” said Michael F. Driscoll, M.D., gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Norton Cancer Institute. “We know that colorectal cancer is greater than 90% preventable, and often if people get their appropriate screenings on time, these maybe get found in the polyp stage before they progress on to an actual cancer.”

Along with diet and exercise, there are other factors that affect a person’s risk for colon cancer.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, smoking two packs of cigarettes per day increases risk for colon cancer by roughly 40% and nearly doubles the risk for death from colon cancer. Inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, also increase the risk for colon cancer.

More than one half of all colon cancer cases and deaths can be attributed to modifiable risk factors, like smoking, unhealthy diets, high alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and body weight.

“If people can stop smoking, we know that eliminates a very strong risk factor for developing colorectal cancer,“ Dr. Driscoll said. “Getting rid of those risks in your life, and then modifying your diet, getting more exercise, are sort of low-hanging fruit things that we can do to prevent, not only the risk for colorectal cancers, but other cancers as well.” 

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third most-commonly diagnosed cancer and the third-most-common cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. Colon cancer is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men younger than 50 years old.

“About 140,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer ever year, and for a cancer that is over 90% preventable in the first place, people need to know their family history, need to be proactive at trying to decrease their risk and then get their screening colonoscopies on time,” Dr. Driscoll said.

The post If you’re trying to prevent colon cancer, start with lifestyle, diet changes appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Steven Patton, D.O., family medicine physician, Norton Medical Group, wants African Americans to know that they can benefit from colon cancer screening beginning at age 45.

Why should African Americans make this cancer screening a priority?

According to the American Cancer Society, African Americans have statistically higher risk for cancers in the colon and rectum: 

• The highest rate of death and the shortest rate of survival for colorectal cancer
• 40% more likely than other groups to die from colon cancers
• 20% more likely to get colon cancer

“[Colon cancer is] one of the third leading cancers amongst the United States. There are approximately a hundred thousand cases of new cases of cancer in the colon and about 44,000 new cases of rectal cancer in 2022,” said Dr. Patton.

New colorectal cancer screening guidelines

The recommendations of screening for cancer have changed slightly in recent years.  

“Now, the recommended age to get the first colonoscopy for a person with average risk is 45,” said Dr. Patton. “If the results are normal, screens continue every 10 years.”

For patients ages 76 to 85, the American Cancer Society suggests talking with your doctor. “The doctor will take into account your risk factors and lifestyle,” said Dr. Patton.

Types of colon cancer screening

Colonoscopy is often recommended for patients with risk factors. “Colonoscopy is a visual test where the health care provider looks at the entire colon and can see polyps or precancerous lesions.” This medical procedure allows your provider to find early signs of cancer in the large intestine.

However, a home test may be an option for you as well. A variety of colon cancer screening kits are available by prescription. “People might be familiar with a stool-based test like Cologuard,” said Dr. Patton. This type of test analyzes a stool sample for blood and other markers of disease. Your provider can help you decide whether a home test is an option for you.

Risk factors for African American men

A person’s genetics are perhaps their most important risk factor. “We look for patients who have a family history of Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome,” said Dr. Patton.

“I think of genetics as the gun and your lifestyle as the trigger,” said Dr. Patton. If you have a family history of colon cancer, your lifestyle can influence whether or not you develop the disease.

Some factors that can increase your risk include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Age
• Alcohol consumption

Additionally, zip code is important. “Your health can be impacted by where you live,” said Dr. Patton. “Do you live close to a health care provider? Do you have transportation for office visits? Those affect your health as much as age or family history.”

If you have risk factors mentioned above, talk to your health care provider.

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La preparación para una colonoscopia no es nada de lo que haya que temer. Considere que se trata de una buena limpieza sin el dolor o las sensaciones desagradables que puede relacionar con la diarrea. La planificación anticipada facilitará la preparación de la colonoscopia.

La limpieza del colon permite a su médico observar mejor el interior y hace más fácil revelar cualquier problema.

“Si observamos algo que nos preocupa, como por ejemplo un pólipo, lo extraeremos durante la colonoscopia. Pero necesitamos poder verlo y no podemos hacerlo si no se hace una preparación exhaustiva. Algunos pólipos se encuentran pegados al colon y pueden estar ocultos por cualquier residuo.,” dice Ryan K. Jones, M.D., cirujano colorrectal de Norton Surgical Specialists.

Cómo facilitar la preparación de la colonoscopia

• Ajuste su dieta días antes de su preparación comiendo menos y seleccionando alimentos bajos en fibra.
• Ponga el laxante preparado en la nevera con al menos 24 horas de antelación. Una preparación fría baja mucho más fácilmente. Utilizar una pajita también puede ayudar.
• El día antes de la colonoscopia, tendrá que seguir una dieta líquida. Tome un caldo bajo en sodio, gelatina (no roja, naranja o morada), jugo de manzana, jugo de uva blanca, café negro.
• Manténgase hidratado. Las bebidas con electrolitos pueden ayudar (que no sean rojas, naranjas o moradas).
• Pasará horas en el baño y no tendrá ganas de salir de casa en caso de necesitar algo, así que prepárese.
• Consigue toallitas húmedas medicadas o no medicadas. Si no es así, gaste un poco más en un buen papel higiénico: los que tienen sábila pueden aliviar el ardor y la picazón.
• Un paño fresco y húmedo o un baño pueden aliviar la irritación. Considere la posibilidad de utilizar cremas o aceites que puedan proporcionar cierto alivio.
• Cargue su teléfono y elige un libro o algunas revistas que haya querido leer.
• – Lea las instrucciones de preparación con antelación y procure coordinar la preparación con las instrucciones de la consulta de su médico.
• Después de la colonoscopia, es posible que no tenga tanta hambre como esperaba. En todo caso, empiece con una dieta suave y vuelva a una dieta normal.

The post Cómo facilitar la preparación de la colonoscopia appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

The risk of developing colon cancer is lower in adults under 50, but recent trends have shown that risk increasing, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Norton Healthcare has adopted a practice of recommending colonoscopies starting at age 45 for those at average risk. Average risk means an individual doesn’t have a family history that increases their risk and hasn’t been diagnosed previously with colon cancer or other conditions that increase their risk.

Existing guidance from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer varies somewhat from the USPSTF and recommends those at increased risk start screening 10 years prior to the age a relative was diagnosed or age 40 — whichever is earlier. This applies to anyone with a first-degree relative (parent, offspring or sibling) under age 60 with colon cancer or advanced polyps, or multiple first-degree relatives of any age with a diagnosis.

“If your family member had cancer at 50, you should be screened at 40; and if you have multiple relatives, even primary first-degree relatives with polyps, it’s recommended you start now at 40 for just screening,” said Ryan K. Jones, M.D., colon and rectal surgeon with Norton Surgical Specialists – Colorectal Health.

Those with inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease face a higher risk and also need to begin screening earlier.

Thanks to screening, overall incidence of colon cancer is decreasing, but for people under 50, colon cancer is increasing, according to Michelle Julien, M.D., colon and rectal surgeon also with Norton Surgical Specialists – Colorectal Health.

Family history is a major risk factor especially with closer relatives. Other risk factors include the typical Western Hemisphere diet of high intake of red meat, sugar, fat, salt and refined grains; obesity, heavy alcohol use and smoking.

Traditional colon cancer screening guidelines called for tests at 10-year intervals because that is approximately how long it takes from initiation of cell changes to becoming cancerous.

Some patients need to be screened more often. For example, having polyps previously raises the risks of having polyps again and requires more frequent screening, according to Dr. Jones.

The gold standard for screening is a colonoscopy with a full bowel prep because you can screen, diagnose with a biopsy and treat at the same time.

Flexible sigmoidoscopies, which examine the rectum and sigmoid colon – a short curve of the large intestine just before the rectum – are within guidelines under certain circumstances but would require more frequent testing and immunohistochemical fecal tests.

Flexible sigmoidoscopies are better suited to younger patients, particularly in the 40- to 45-year-old range because colon cancers in this age group tend to develop in the sigmoid colon, according to Dr. Julien.

Pros and cons of different types of screening tests

Other noninvasive tests that can be done at home are fecal immunochemical test (FIT), fecal occult blood tests and stool DNA testing. Of these, the stool DNA test such as Cologuard is considered the best of the lesser options, with a detection rate of more than 90% for having a cancer.

Cologuard can miss 50% of even advanced polyps and offer false assurances even if the test is done every three years.

Positive results on any of these tests still mean a follow-up colonoscopy for evaluation and possible treatment.

“At the end of the day, if it’s a positive fecal test, you’re still going to have to go down the road of needing a colonoscopy,” Dr. Julien said.

Insurance coverage typically is for only one type of screening annually, meaning a colonoscopy following a positive Cologuard or other test would be considered a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention, not a screening, according to Dr. Julien.

Computed tomography (CT) colonography has a high sensitivity, but requires a bowel prep like a colonoscopy and, like the fecal tests, requires treatment with a colonoscopy if it shows any abnormalities. It also can be uncomfortable because air is put in the colon.

For patients who have a primary or secondary relative diagnosed with either polyps or colon cancer, only a colonoscopy is recommended.

Traditionally, screening stopped at age 80, but it has become more targeted to the individual.

“The guidelines have gotten away from a specific age, and I think it’s more of a patient-based decision,” Dr. Jones said.

The post Colonoscopy age dropping from 50 to 45 for most appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Federal law requires private health insurance plans to cover colorectal cancer screenings

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurance companies to cover the total cost of colorectal cancer screenings for people ages 45 to 75 with no out-of-pocket cost. However, this rule doesn’t apply if the plan was created before the ACA was made a law (Sept. 23, 2010) — a “grandfathered plan.” You can find out your health plan’s status by contacting your insurance company or the benefits manager or human resources department if your employer provides your insurance.

How your health insurance classifies screenings

It’s also important to know that insurance companies may classify colonoscopies differently depending on whether the provider is checking for specific issues or conditions rather than performing a routine colon cancer screening. There are two categories:

• Screening: This is a colonoscopy or other colon cancer screening to check for colon cancer. The ACA requires coverage of these routine screenings.
• Diagnostic: This is a colonoscopy that checks for a specific issue. You may have to pay a deductible and/or copay. Here are a few examples of what is considered diagnostic:
  • Checking belly (abdominal) pain.
  • Checking for intestinal bleeding.
  • Checking for low red blood cell count (anemia).
  • Follow-up colonoscopies if you are high risk (private insurance).
  • If your provider finds and removes a polyp during a screening test, your screening may be reclassified as diagnostic (Medicare or grandfathered private insurance plans).

I’m between 45 and 75 and I have private insurance. Do I have any costs?

Many health plans cover the cost for a colonoscopy as a screening test. However, you may have to pay for some services, such as bowel prep medications, anesthesia or sedation, pathology costs or facility fees, depending on your health plan.

Before you schedule a colonoscopy, look at your health plan for any details. Check whether the providers you want to use are in your health plan’s network (in-network provider). If the providers aren’t in your health plan’s network (out-of-network provider), you may have to pay more out of your own pocket.

I have Medicare. Is it covered?

Medicare covers screening colonoscopies without requiring you to pay anything out-of-pocket. The program covers tests every 10 years, and every two years for high-risk patients. However, unlike with private health insurance, if a polyp is found during the screening, the procedure becomes diagnostic. That means you will need to pay a copay or other fees.

What can I do to control my costs?

Talk to your insurer and your provider before scheduling your colonoscopy. Getting this information ahead of time can help you avoid surprises when you get your bill. If you do have large bills afterward, you may be able to appeal the insurance company’s decision.

Ask your health plan:

• How much should I expect to pay (if anything) for a screening colonoscopy?
• What is my out-of-pocket cost if I go out of the network?
• Will my costs change if my provider finds and removes a polyp during the colonoscopy? If so, what would that cost be?

The post How much does a colon cancer screening cost? appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Here’s a guide to tests that can detect cancer and who should get checked when.

Breast cancer

Mammogram — an X-ray of the breast — is often the most effective way of spotting breast cancer early when treatment can be more than 90% successful. Mammograms expose you to low-dose radiation, and for most people in the following age ranges, the benefits of regular mammograms outweigh the risks of radiation exposure.

READ MORE: What’s the right age to start getting Pap smear tests?

• Women age 50 to 74 and at average risk: Every two years, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
• Women age 45 to 54 and at average risk: Annually, according to the American Cancer Society.
• Those at high risk of breast cancer because of family history or their own medical history may start screening before age 40 in consultation with their health care provider.

Cervical cancer

Pap smears can detect precancerous cells that can develop into cancer without treatment. The HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus that can trigger the cells to develop into cancer

• Age 21 to 29: Pap smears should start at age 21. A normal test may allow you to wait three years for your next test.
• Age 30 to 65: Talk to your health care provider about what’s right for you. A normal Pap smear may allow you to wait three years before another. A normal HPV test may allow you to wait five years for the next one. If both tests conducted at the same time are normal, you may be able to wait five years to do it again.
• Over age 65: Your provider may advise that you don’t need screening anymore if you’ve had normal screenings for several years or if you’ve had your cervix removed as part of hysterectomy, for instance.

Colon cancer

Colon cancer typically starts with precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Once detected, the polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer. A colonoscopy is very thorough and allows the physician to remove any polyps or other suspicious tissue for testing. Stool tests collected at home can be almost as accurate as a colonoscopy, but don’t allow for immediate treatment.

• Age 45 to 75 and at average risk for colon cancer: People in this age group should get a colonoscopy every 10 years. Black adults across all age groups, including under age 50, have colon cancer more frequently and are more likely to die of colon cancer than white adults.
• Age 76 to 85: Talk with your health care provider about your overall health and prior screening history. Current evidence shows there is little benefit in screening everyone in this age group.

Lung cancer

Low-dose computed tomography (low-dose CT scan) is used to screen for lung cancer. The test is quick and painless, but carries risk from low-level radiation exposure.

• Age 50 to 80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history and a current smoker or quit within the past 15 years (A pack year is measured by multiplying the number of packs smoked each day by the number of years. One pack per day for 20 years would be 20 pack years and two packs per day for 20 years would be 40 pack years.)

Screening for ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, testicular and thyroid cancers has not been shown be effective at reducing death, according to the USPSTF.

The post Here’s how cancer is detected and a guide to catching up appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Family history is just one of many risk factors for any number of conditions, including colon cancer. Some risk factors can change. These include habits such as smoking and drinking can increase your risk for colon cancer.

Having risk factors won’t make it certain you’ll get colon cancer. Having no risk factors doesn’t mean you’re 100 percent in the clear either.

Have a colon? Get it screened

If you have a colon, you have a risk of getting colon cancer. That’s why getting a colon cancer screening is important.

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. It’s expected to cause about 52,980 deaths in 2021.

A colonoscopy is the best way to find and remove polyps (small growths that can become cancer) as well as small cancers before they spread. People at average risk of colorectal cancer should begin regular screening at age 45. People at higher risk for colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about whether starting screening earlier might be right for them. If you have reservations about getting a colonoscopy, you have options. A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) must be done yearly to be effective. A FIT is not as thorough as a colonoscopy, but it’s better than no screening.

Aside from family history, what are other colon cancer risk factors?

• Being overweight or obese. According to the American Cancer Society, being overweightputs both men and women at higher risk for colon cancer.
• Smoking. While many people think smoking only causes lung cancer, it is linked to several types of cancers, including colon.
• Heavy drinking. Colorectal cancer has been linked to moderate and heavy drinking. Limiting alcohol intake can lower your risk — women can have one drink a day; men can have two.
• Being inactive. Exercising most days of the week can help lower your risk for many conditions, including colon cancer. Talk to your health provider about how to add activity to your day-to-day routine.
• Diet. Eating a lot of red and processed meats can put you at higher risk. Try eating less meat by adding more plant-based proteins to your diet.

No matter your risk, consider scheduling a colonoscopy if you’re over age 50. If you wait for noticeable symptoms, the cancer may be more advanced. Getting screened is your best bet to find and treat colon cancer early, which can save your life.

The post Why get a colon cancer screening if you don’t have a family history? appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Whatever rumors you’ve heard, the truth is that colonoscopy prep options have gotten much easier in recent years, thanks to lower-dose regimens and better-tasting prep liquids. Colonoscopy prep is very important — a squeaky clean colon gives the doctor a clear view to be able to do their job best. It also helps the doctor find any polyps and remove them before they could become cancer. If the prep is not done properly, you may have to reschedule your colonoscopy.

Don’t let fear keep you from getting a screening that could save your life.

Half the day before, half the day of

Drinking the prep drink every 10 minutes or so may not be necessary anymore. Split-dose bowel prep allows you to take half of the prep drink the night before and the other half the morning of the procedure.

Depending on the prep type, your provider may recommend splitting the dose in half or thirds. If your exam is in the afternoon, you can drink the last of the prep the morning of your appointment. If you have an exam before noon, you can take the last dose about four hours before the colonoscopy. It might make for an early morning, but you will be ready and less likely to have to reschedule due to incomplete preparation.

Studies have shown that split-dose regimens are easier to tolerate, and they clean the colon better — which helps your provider do a thorough evaluation. One study found that doctors find more benign tumors (adenomas) in people who prepared with split doses. Another study found that split-dose prep made prescreening bowel movements easier.

Colonoscopy prep doesn’t have to taste bad

Afraid of having to drink a gallon of bad-tasting laxative solution? If so, you can rest easy — you’ve got options.Newer bowel-cleansing liquids are better tasting and you don’t have to drink as much. Some prep liquids include flavors and can have lower-volume dose sizes at 3 liters, 2 liters and 10 ounces. Lower-volume doses will require drinking extra liquids, such as water, to work best.

Read more:

Tips for preparing for colonoscopy

Colon cancer screening costs

Still worried? Try these tips

• Talk to your provider about your concerns. She or he can work with you to find a prep option that can work for you. Following their instructions will be very important for prep.
• Schedule some time for colonoscopy prep. You’ll likely want to stay home, without distractions, while you prep. Consider this when scheduling your colonoscopy.
• Cut back on fiber a few days before your appointment. Fiber leaves a residue in the colon, so cutting back on beans, nuts or high-fiber foods can help make prep a little easier.
• When it’s time for a liquid diet, change it up a little. You probably won’t feel full drinking just water. You can have coffee, tea, clear broth, popsicles and gelatin. Avoid any red or purple liquids, since the coloring can affect the results of your exam. Also avoid milk, dairy products and nondairy coffee creamer.
• Hack your colonoscopy prep drinking. Here’s how to make drinking prep liquid a little easier:
  • Prep liquid doesn’t come with a flavor packet? Add Crystal Light or Kool-Aid powder.
  • Drink it cold. Many prep liquids can be made the day before and refrigerated.
  • Use a straw.
  • Suck on a lemon or hard candy afterward.
• Have your bathroom ready. Once you’re finished drinking the prep liquid, you’ll want to stay close to the bathroom. Wear loose-fitting, comfy clothes and make sure you’ve got:
  • Soft toilet paper.
  • Skin-soothing products, such as a lotion or baby rash ointment.
  • Entertainment, such as a book or magazine you’ve wanted to read.

Still on the fence?

If you have a colon, you are at risk for colon cancer. A colonoscopy is the best way to find and remove polyps (small growths that can become cancer) as well as small cancers before they can spread. The American Cancer society recommends colonoscopies for those at average risk of colon cancer starting at age 45. You may not love the prep, but you can have peace of mind that you’re taking steps to be cancer-free.

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