“In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth leading cause in women, but it’s the second most common cause of cancer deaths when numbers for men and women are combined. It’s expected to cause about 52,900 deaths during 2025.”

That information is from the American Cancer Society.

Drinking this entire jug in two settings will flush one out completely. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

This month I received my regular every five-year colonoscopy. I started them earlier than most people because I have a family history of the cancer. For dad, it was caught in time.

This is one of the cancers that when diagnosed in time is not a death sentence. In time means getting regular colonoscopies, not waiting for symptoms.

The ACS says the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 26 for women and 1 in 24 for men.

While the rate of colon and rectal cancer diagnoses has dropped since the mid-1980s, that’s not true for all age groups. Rates for people younger than 50 have increased by 2.4 percent each year from 2012 to 2021.

This is in large part why the recommendation to get a colonoscopy is now 45 instead of 50. That’s for people without a family history. I was 40 for my first one.

While all of my screenings have been completely clear, a polyp was found and removed this time. Fingers are crossed it’s nothing, just like the polyps one of my sisters seems to have each time.

To prevent colon cancer it’s recommended people be active, have a healthy weight, a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits-veggies-whole grains, limit alcohol, and stay away from tobacco.

I have all of the above covered, so I’m pretty optimistic the lab results will show no cancer.

Get your colonoscopy. It could save your life.