ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The death of actor James Van Der Beek this week is prompting local doctors to stress the importance of early screening for colorectal cancer.
Health experts say colorectal cancer, which affects the colon and rectum, is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the country and is increasingly being diagnosed at more advanced stages in adults under 50.
Localized colon cancer has a 91% five-year relative survival rate, according to the American Cancer Society. The survival rate goes down to 74% for a colon cancer that has spread regionally and down to just 13% if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body…