A colonoscopy. I don't know anyone that actively looks forward to having one. But according to a new study from Tulane University, we should all be looking forward to that kind of exam sooner than later.

The current thinking among the medical community is that 50 is a good age to begin regular colorectal screenings. Often these screenings can help doctors prevent colon cancer before it starts. This prevention aspect has many in the medical community looking to move the age of first screening from 50 years of age to 45 years of age.

The findings of the Tulane study suggested a 46% increase in diagnoses from ages 49 to 50. That study also found that many diagnoses at age 50 or older suggested that 93% of positive diagnoses were considered to be  “in situ stage”. That's medical speak for "it's been there a while". If you're not familiar with cancer, having it "there for a while" is not the best option for a patient.

Tulane researchers hope the findings of their study will help influence the medical community and more importantly policymakers to consider changing the age guidelines for colorectal screenings. Especially when you consider that colorectal cancers are one of the most curable cancers known to man when caught in the early stages.

You'd think that fact alone would be enough for insurance companies and medical professionals to agree on an earlier screening age. But only one side of that equation is actually concerned with your health you know it's going to take a lot more evidence. Evidence like the facts presented by the Tulane study to get that "piece of the rock from your good neighbor out of his good hands" so he can write a check for your insurance benefits.

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