Colon cancer on the decline
Good news: colon cancer has dropped substantially in the last 10 years. People are getting screened and paying attention to choices that make a difference, such as less eating less red or processed meat.
The biggest decline was among those 65 and older, perhaps because Medicare offers its enrollees free colonoscopies. Those enrolled in other insurance plans also have access to free colon cancer screenings, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
Many health diagnoses surprise us, so when a simple procedure detects precancerous polyps, it seems sensible to opt for it. If you are older than 50 or have a family history of colon cancer, and have not had a colonoscopy, make an appointment. In the end, you will be happy you did.