 Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. with a 20% increase among millennial and GenXers and a decline among baby boomers. Research from the American Cancer Society suggests diet, sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, and low fiber consumption may be underlying causes of this significant shift. Colon cancer is preventable. However, it can be a silent killer. Non-specific symptoms such as stomach aches, unexpected weight loss, iron deficiency, and fatigue may go unnoticed, making it harder to diagnose. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for detecting colon cancer. It's a video of your colon that allows the doctor, a gastroenterologist, to look for and remove polyps in your large intestine. No polyps, no cancer. It's painless. 50 to 70 is the current suggested age range for the first colonoscopy. Become your own advocate and request an early colonoscopy from your family doctor if you are a millennial or a GenXer. That 20% rise in colon cancer is targeting you. An early colonoscopy could save your life. For more information, visit the American Cancer Society's website at www.cancer.org.