Having regular screening tests beginning at age 50 could save your life. Colorectal cancers almost always develop from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum.  Screening tests can find polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancer.  Screening tests can also detect cancer early, when treatment works best and the chance for a full recovery is very high.

Source: CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, www.cdc.gov/