Floridians 50+ Urged to Schedule Colorectal Cancer Screenings
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-10-23 11:48:26.910379-04:00
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, but many people are reluctant to undergo the recommended screening tests that can detect precancerous polyps and other conditions.
In an attempt to reduce colorectal cancer's deadly toll—it kills an estimated 56,000 Americans and 3,800 Floridians annually—AARP Florida and the American Cancer Society are urging everyone age 50 and older to visit a doctor for a cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening after age 50 and sooner among those with a family history of the disease.
"Regular screenings can dramatically cut your risk for this deadly disease," says Bentley Lipscomb, AARP state director. "My grandmother died of it. I've been tested three times myself."
For more information on colon cancer screening options, call 1-800-ACS-2345 to receive a free colon information kit complete with a DVD, a patient education brochure, questions to ask your doctor and details on each test.
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