Colon screening often avoided, but it can be lifesaver Now is time to take steps to prevent cancer This year, more than 103,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer -- that's the equivalent of nearly two-thirds of Vancouver's population. It's the third most common cancer among men and women in the U.S., and it is expected to kill more Americans this year than either breast cancer or prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Despite its prevalence, many people don't comply with screening recommendations, said Dr. Son Do, a Vancouver gastroenterologist. Embarrassment and fear are usually to blame, he said. What people don't realize, Do said, is that screening can prevent colon cancer. "Preventative health is very important," Do said. "Don't just ignore it because it's embarrassing or you hear bad things. Later you could find out it's cancer, and it's too late." The American Cancer Society recommends men and women begin screening procedures, such as colonoscopies, at age 50. Those with risk factors such as family history, Crohn's disease or colitis, should be screened at an earlier age. Typically, a colonoscopy, which can detect cancer or precancerous polyps, is performed every 10 years. Precancerous polyps can be removed during the colonoscopy and prevent the cancer from developing, Do said. "Screening colonoscopies can save lives," he said. Regular screening is important, Do said, because colorectal cancer doesn't usually show symptoms -- like blood in the stool and abdominal pain -- until it's advanced. Free screening In