Know the Risks for Colorectal Cancer
 (HealthScoutNews, 1/26/03)

The second leading cause of death in America is cancer that originates in the colon or rectum. The risk factors for developing this disease include heredity, age and high-calorie, high-fat diets. Fortunately colorectal cancer typically starts as small, benign polyps that can be easily removed before cancer develops. According to the American Cancer Society, most people can prevent colorectal cancer by undergoing screenings -- a yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT), a sigmoidoscopy every 5 years & a colonoscopy every 10 years -- beginning at age 50.