Bradley Cooper, movie actor
Drew Barrymore, movie actress
Fergie, pop singer
David Beckham, soccer player
Eva Longoria, TV actress
What do these celebrities have in common? They are all celebrating their 45th birthday in 2020 – and, because of that milestone, should be screened for colorectal cancer this year. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45.
“A colonoscopy finds cancer before it becomes cancer. That’s the bottom line,” says Tommy Pacana, MD, Rush Copley Medical Group gastroenterologist. “The best way to treat any cancer is to prevent its formation which is why I recommend a screening colonoscopy to my patients when they have reached their 45th birthday.”
While the thought of a colonoscopy may be uncomfortable, it is not a painful procedure. It can help detect polyps, ulcers, tumors and inflammation or bleeding in the colon. And it can save your life.
Colon cancer is the second most deadly cancer in America, but it is highly preventable if detected early. Polyps can be treated while small or removed before developing into cancers.
The overall death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping for several decades, thanks to screenings and improved treatments, but the death rate among individuals younger than 55 has increased. Celebrating a birthday with a screening could give you the gift of many more birthdays.
