Photo: Varlay / iStock / Getty Images
This is 60 seconds to better health.
This is Doctor Jasleen Grewal from Kaiser Permanente San Diego with a message about the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. With appropriate screening, however, it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. And that’s why it’s critical to get screened. The earlier polyps can be detected and removed, the less likely they will turn into cancer. Generally speaking, men and women should begin screening at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you may need to start getting screened earlier. Talk to your personal physician about when getting screening is right for you. And remember, adopting a healthy lifestyle which includes maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco products helps to prevent all forms of cancer. For more information, go to kp.org/sandiego.