According the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer is one of the 5 most common cancers.  Unfortunately, some find reasons to dismiss symptoms or neglect to schedule annual screenings.  When visiting with your healthcare provider, be honest about symptoms you may be having, your family history and be sure to get your screenings schedule.  It may just save your life! 

The ACS gives five common myths people have about colorectal cancer:

1. Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented.
   Striving for a healthy lifestyle including maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating well (whole grains, fruits and vegetables, limiting red meat and processed meats), limiting alcohol use and avoiding tobacco use can limit your risk. 
   Make sure to get your screening; polyps found during colonoscopies often times can be removed before they become cancerous.

2. It's better not to get tested for colorectal cancer because it is deadly anyway.
   Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable!  If found early, survival rates are very high.  The key is to get your annual screenings to catch problems when treatments are more likely to be successful.

3. Colorectal cancer is a man's disease.
   Colorectal cancer is almost as common among women as men.  Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the US.

4. Age doesn't matter when it comes to getting colorectal cancer.
   While most colorectal cancers are found in people over the age of 50, those with a family history of colorectal cancer should also be tested earlier than the recommended guidelines (50).  Make sure to discuss what your screening schedule should be with your healthcare provider.

5. African Americans are not at risk for colorectal cancer.
   The reason is not known, but this ethnic group (men and women) is diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer more than any other racial / ethnic group in the US.