“We know that when colon cancer is found early it is usually curable. When it’s found late, it is often incurable,” explains Bruce Pokorney, MD, gastroenterologist and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at Lancaster General.

Colon cancer affects both men and women, with 93% of cases occurring in people over the age of 50. But studies show that only 30 percent of women over the age of 50 report getting the recommended screenings.

Besides age, risk factors include:

• Family history of colon cancer or polyps
• History of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control, routine colorectal cancer screening tests for people ages 50 and older include all of the following:

• Colonoscopy: Doctors can take tissue samples or completely remove polyps while viewing the entire colon. Medicare has approved this as a screening test for average risk individuals. While the most sensitive, specific and comprehensive of all of the screening options, it is also the most expensive and the most invasive. A colonoscopy is not only a commonly recommended screening test, but may be essential when other tests reveal abnormal findings or if you have other risk factors. Frequency: Every 10 years
• Fecal Occult Blood Test: Detects blood in stool from polyps, cancer or other conditions. It is the easiest and least expensive screening tool, but also the least sensitive and the least specific for finding serious colon problems. Frequency: Annually
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Doctors view the rectum lining and lower part of the colon and can also take samples of polyps and potential cancers. This instrument does not view the entire colon. Frequency: Every five years
• Combination Fecal Occult Blood Test & Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Combining both tests can help find polyps and potential cancers with increased accuracy. Frequency: See individual test listings
• Double Contrast Barium Enema: An X-ray image of the entire colon helps locate polyps and potential cancers. If any are found, colonoscopy is needed. Frequency: Every 5-10 years