Singer Taylor Dayne shined in the 1980s music spotlight with hits such as “Tell It To My Heart.” Now, she’s also in the spotlight telling women to keep on top of their routine health screenings. She was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 60, and thanks to regular colonoscopies, the cancer was caught early and removed quickly with surgery. Due to previous benign polyps, Dayne undergoes a colonoscopy two times per year. Staying on top of her recommended screenings helped to initially catch her polyps, and in turn the frequently scheduled colonoscopies helped to catch her cancer early – significantly improving her prognosis.

Several weeks after Dayne’s announcement, the shocking death of actress Kirstie Alley continued the conversation about colon cancer and the importance of screenings. Her family said in a statement that the disease had only recently been discovered.

Dr. Paula Denoya, director of the Colorectal Surgery Residency Program at Stony Brook Medicine, explains, “Unfortunately, colon cancer doesn’t have a lot of symptoms until it’s advanced, which is why screening is so important.” Symptoms can overlap with common conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, making colon cancer difficult to diagnose.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S., and 20% of patients have a family history of the disease. Incidence rates have fallen in older adults in recent years but have risen in all age groups under 65.

The good news is that death rates are dropping due to polyps being found and removed more often before developing into cancer. Colorectal cancer itself is also being found earlier, making it easier to treat. Doctors recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years for people 45 and older, with the possibility of more frequent screenings due to personal or family history. SecondOpinions.com can review colonoscopy findings to help ensure you’re screened and treated based on your personal needs.

Screenings are important for everyone, but women in particular often care for others at the expense of their own health. Taylor Dayne’s wish is for all women to “find a doctor that will tell you the truth. Be a warrior for yourself.”