Video: Colon Cancer Myths Dispelled!( The American Society for Gastroin...),Health

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy is dispelling the myths and giving patients the facts about colon cancer for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

OAK BROOK, Ill., March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), representing the specialists in colon cancer screening, is dispelling some common myths about colon cancer to raise awareness about this preventable and curable disease.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://prnewswire.com/mnr/asge/31346/

Colorectal cancer, often referred to as colon cancer, is the second leading cancer killer among men and women in the United States. It is largely preventable with regular screening, and is curable with early detection. A recent study by leading cancer groups stated that deaths from colorectal cancer in the U.S. are down nearly five percent, more than the other leading cancer killers (lung, breast and prostate cancers). Among the key factors credited with the decline is prevention through screening and the removal of precancerous polyps.

"More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer in the U.S. each year and over 50,000 people die from it annually," said ASGE President Grace H. Elta, MD, FASGE. "There are many myths about colorectal cancer, such as that the one of the options to screen for the disease is painful, when in fact a colonoscopy is well tolerated and can save your life. If you or a loved one is 50 or over, or experiencing any symptoms that are worrisome for colon cancer, talk to your doctor about getting screened for this disease. Screening saves lives."

Here are some myths about colon cancer and the facts patients need to know.

Myth: Colon cancer only affects men

Colon cancer affects both men and women, in fact approximately 26,00
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