Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer in the United States (after lung cancer). But the good news is: It is also the most curable.

Colorectal cancer is a disease that usually starts from non-cancerous growths, called polyps, which develop in the colon or rectum.

Screening tests (colonoscopies) can find polyps before they turn into cancer. Screenings can also find the cancer early, when the chance of being cured is good.

People who have polyps or colorectal cancer don’t always have symptoms, especially at first. If polyps are found during colonoscopies, doctors remove them, thereby preventing the cancer from even developing.

Colorectal Surgeon Chris Davis, M.D., shares his thoughts: “Colorectal cancer is the only major cancer killer that can be prevented at this time. People have mammograms and prostate checks, which are important because they catch cancer early. With colonoscopies, polyps can be detected and removed before colon cancer has had time to develop.”

Despite these facts, six out of 10 Americans are not being tested.

“Research has shown that up to 90 percent of colorectal cancers can be prevented just by finding and removing polyps before they become a cancer,” adds Jennifer McNeil, M.D. McNeil is a colorectal surgeon who practices with Davis.

Both men and women can get colorectal cancer, and it occurs most often in people ages 50 and older. The key to preventing colorectal cancer is getting tested starting at age 50, or earlier if you are at an increased risk.

For more information, call Colon and Rectal Surgery of Oklahoma at (405) 948-0640.

INTEGRIS Health 3300 N.W. Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 949-3011 | HealthLine: (888) 951-2277