Colonoscopy screenings are a highly effective measure for preventing colon cancer. A healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, can reduce risk but does not eliminate the need for screening.

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. After the fasting, the uncomfortable cleanse and a drowsy ride home, it’s a relief to have your colonoscopy screening behind you.

I paused, and then I clicked "cancel appointment." The blood in my stool, the most common sign of colon cancer in young people, was going away. I chalked up my concerns to my job: I was interviewing ...