Simple screenings are the key to preventing diseases such as colorectal cancer. How much do you know about detecting the signs of the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Americans?

Myth or Fact?

1. Only people who smoke, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or are overweight need to be screened at all.
2. There’s no single “right” way to be screened for colorectal cancer.
3. You may need to start testing before age 50 if you have inflammatory bowel disease.

Check Your Answers

1. Myth. All men and women should start colorectal screening by age 50.

2. Fact. There are choices, so talk with your doctor about what’s best for you. One option is an annual test to check for blood in the stool. Others include:

• Every five years: a flexible sigmoidoscopy, in which the doctor places a lighted tube into the rectum to check the lower part of the colon
• Every five years: a barium enema, a type of X-ray of the digestive system
• Every 10 years: a colonoscopy, in which a doctor inserts a tube into the rectum to view the colon

3. Fact. Screening before age 50 also might be wise if you or a close relative has had polyps or cancer.