PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Colon cancer happens when abnormal cells grow and develop in the lower part of the GI, or the digestive tract.
It usually happens very slowly, and colonoscopies allow physicians to take a look at this part of the digestive tract and remove these growths before they become cancer.
Now, the United States Preventive Services Task Force has a new recommendation. The organization — which is a trusted source for thousands of doctors — recommends screening starting at age 45.
Ten percent of cases occur in people younger than 50.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.