Each year more than 150,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with colon cancer and over 50,000 will die from the disease. Death rates from colon cancer are higher among African Americans than any other population group in the U.S. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), representing the specialists in colon cancer screening, advises African Americans to speak to their physician about getting screened for colon cancer.

"Colon cancer is preventable with regular screening and is curable when detected early," said ASGE President Grace H. Elta, MD, FASGE. "All men and women are at risk for colon cancer and should begin screening for the disease at age 50. It concerns me that African Americans are being diagnosed with colon cancer at a higher rate than other populations. This disease does not discriminate against race or gender; your age is the single most important risk factor. I encourage African Americans to talk to their doctor about colon cancer screening."

Colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon cancer, is cancer of the colon or rectum and is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. for men and women combined. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among African American men and women, with more than 16,000 cases estimated to be diagnosed each year and approximately 7,000 deaths annually. Some people are at a higher risk for the disease because of age, lifestyle or personal and family medical history. People who are diagnosed at early stages have a 90 percent chance of a cure and surviving. That is why screening for prevention and early detection is so important. Some studies have shown that African Americans are more frequently diagnosed with colon cancer at a younger age, leading some experts to suggest that African Americans begin screening prior to age 50. African Americans should ask their physician about an appropriate screening schedule.

Polyps are grapelike growths on the lining of the colon or rectum that may become cancer. These polyps can be removed to prevent cancer from occurring. Colonoscopy, when performed by a well-trained endoscopist, gastroenterologist or surgeon, is the most effective screening test. Colonoscopy plays an important role in colon cancer prevention because precancerous polyps can be removed when they are discovered during the procedure.

Here are a few important facts African Americans need to know about colon cancer:

-- The rate of being diagnosed with colon cancer is higher among African Americans than among any other population group in the U.S.

-- Death rates from colon cancer are higher among African Americans than any other population group in the U.S.

-- Colon cancer is the third most common cancer among African Americans, with more than 16,000 cases estimated to be diagnosed each year and approximately 7,000 deaths annually.

-- There is evidence that African Americans are less likely than Caucasians to have screening tests for colon cancer.

-- African Americans are less likely than Caucasians to have colorectal polyps detected at a time when they can easily be removed.

-- African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer in advanced stages when there are fewer treatment options available. They are less likely to live five or more years after being diagnosed with colon cancer than other populations.

-- Diet, tobacco use and a lack of access to equal medical treatment options may increase African Americans' risk of developing colon cancer.

-- There may also be genetic factors that contribute to the higher incidence of colon cancer among some African Americans. Learn your family's medical history and tell your health care professional if a relative -- parent, brother, sister or child -- has had colon cancer or colorectal polyps.

-- African American women have the same probability of getting colon cancer as men, and are more likely to die of colon cancer than are women of any other population group.

-- African American patients experience a larger number of polyps on the right side of the colon, versus the left. A screening endoscopy must cover the entire colon, as is performed with a colonoscopy.