March is colon cancer awareness month

Judy and Gary Hovden

March is colon cancer awareness month.

Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, with 1 in 20 people getting diagnosed each year.

"There are no signs and symptoms of early colorectal cancer, so it is important to plan your (colonoscopy) screening," says Winneshiek Medical Center nurse Debra Tekippe.

Local colon cancer survivor Gary Hovden had no signs or symptoms five years ago when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. "I encourage people to get tested, especially if anyone in their family has had colon cancer," says Gary. "People just need to make sure they get checked so that they can live."

The American Cancer Society recommends colon screenings beginning at the age of 50.  Your chances of developing colon cancer may be higher if you have a family history of it and if you are over age 50.