Colon cancer is almost completely preventable with screening, but according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1/3 of adults are not getting the recommended screening. Many people are uncomfortable discussing bowel movements and anxious about the prospect of a colonoscopy, which may lead them to ignore symptoms. “You shouldn’t die from embarrassment,” is the message from Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal surgeon at Cedars-Sinai. That being said, it’s also very important to understand you should never feel guilty about the fact that you got cancer. It’s nothing you did and no diet could have prevented it. There are many doctors, like Dr. Murrell, who believe it’s necessary to rattle the cages to make people aware of the critical importance of screening, especially among some population groups who are at higher risk for the disease.
Fact Checked
/ Updated February 22nd, 2024SurvivorNet Fact Checking and Medical Review Standards:
The SurvivorNet News Team creates high quality medical information that complies with our industry leading standards for factual accuracy and sourcing from leading experts at academic medical institutions. Every news article is thoroughly fact-checked by our physician collaborators. We vet each piece of work for factual integrity, impartiality, and clearly label any professional conflicts.
All SurvivorNet articles adhere to the following standards:
- All studies and research papers cited are from reputable academic medical institutions or peer-reviewed journals.
- When we use data, statistics, or quotes these references link to the original source.
- All content related to new treatments, drugs, procedures, and so on must clearly describe availability, side effects, treatment target (such as triple negative breast cancer)
- All medical information on SurvivorNet is sourced from respected medical professionals with verified medical credentials and links are provided to these sources.
- We strive to give the reader relevant background information and include, clearly-sourced contextual health information in all articles. Readers are clearly alerted to any conflicts of interest from a medical source or the authors of a cited study.
‘You Shouldn’t Die From Embarrassment’: Colon Cancer Can Be Prevented
The Will To Overcome; 'Foo Fighters' Frontman David Grohl, Who Has Been 'Reading Lips' For 20 Years Amid Hearing Loss & Tinnitus, Turns 56
Mom, 38, Dismissed Rectal Bleeding & Pain for Years Before Colon Cancer Diagnosis — Her Warning for the New Year: Get Your Colonoscopy
Father of Six, James Van Der Beek, 47, Got a Vasectomy Prior To Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis— His Prognosis & Options For Treatment
Ryan Reynolds, 48, Gets A Colonoscopy & Delivers a Stark Message: "Two Friends Who Aren't Here Anymore. But Should Be'
'Dawson's Creek's James Van De Beek, 47, Is a Poster Child For Getting Screen Early For Colorectal Cancer— If No Family History, Guidelines Say Start Testing at Age 45
Singer Raul Malo to Undergo Cancer Surgery in December
Please confirm you are a US based health care provider:
Yes, I am a health care Provider No, I am not a health care providerSign Up Now.
Take Control of Your Disease Journey.
Sign up now for expert patient guides, personalized treatment options, and cutting-edge insights that can help you push for the best care plan.