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
21-Year-Old Had Persistent Numbness, Doctors Brushed Off as Dehydration or Anxiety, But Then They Found Ovarian Cancer
'Here Comes The Rain' Singer Raul Malo, 58, Shares Cancer Diagnosis; His ‘The Mavericks’ Will Continue Performing During Treatment
Famous Comedian, 63, Starting New Round of Chemo But Won't Let Ongoing Cancer Battle 'Steal The Joy of Today'
Former ‘Good Morning America’ Host Charlie Gibson, 81, Anchorman to Cancer Advocate and, His Latest Project Getting Kids to Read
Alex Trebek, King Charles, Jeff Bridges— Bravely Working During Cancer & Maintaining Optimism Through Adversity
Mom, 33, Surprised By Colon Cancer Diagnosis
