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This week, the CDC announced the results of a study that shows that colon cancer rates in the US are decreasing. Between 2003 and 2007 the rate of colon cancer cases fell from 52.3 per 100,000 people to 45.4. That’s great news. So how has it come about? The CDC credits colon cancer screening.
Colon cancer is relatively easily detectable and relatively easily cured – and yet, even with this improvement it is the second most common form of cancer.
For some reason the Northeastern US states did better with a significantly greater drop than elsewhere and the Southern states did the worst with a much smaller drop.
So what should you do? Well, basically when you turn 50 (or 40 if you have a family history), you get to give yourself a new present every few years – a routine colonoscopy. Do yourself a favor and make sure you get screened.
