Testing kits can be picked up at the hospital or any CVS Pharmacy. The test is simple and painless. If there's a family history of colon cancer, patients should get regular screenings by age 40. If not, tests should begin at age 50, doctors said. The tests find precancerous cells before they grow into malignant tumors.
Research is varied on how to prevent colon cancer.
New research shows that eating fresh fruits and vegetables can help. One study shows that black raspberries reduce the occurrence of colon cancer by 50 percent. The experts believe that the berries contain a certain mixture of vitamins and acids that protect whatever they touch in the digestive system. Doctors also recommend that patients stop smoking, limit alcohol, exercise regularly and take hormone replacement therapy if they're post-menopausal. Kits provided at CVS Pharmacies.