Even if you’re currently the picture of health, it’s never too early to start taking better care of yourself, from eating fruits and veggies and staying active to taking preventive measures against serious illness and disease.

You can start by getting screened for all types of cancer—and when it comes to colorectal cancer the day is now coming sooner than you thought. The American Cancer Society just revised its guidelines and recommends that adults get screened for colorectal cancer a full five years earlier than their previous recommendation—at age 45 instead of 50. So, what’s the hurry?

The policy shift is based on a recent study showing a 51 percent increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) from 1994 to 2014. That means the risk for someone born around 1990 being diagnosed with colon cancer is twice as high (and for rectal cancer four times as high) as for someone born in 1950. That’s a concerning rise.

While not often talked about, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer. It starts in either the colon or rectum and if not caught early, spreads to the rest of the body. Symptoms can include diarrhea or bloody stool, cramping, weight loss, or any noticeable change in your bowel habits. But often, by the time you’d experience any of these symptoms, the cancer could have already spread or progressed to a more severe stage. That’s why screening is something every adult needs to take seriously. It plays a key role in early detection of colorectal cancer (and other potential health issues), and could truly be the difference between life and death in some cases. “It is our hope that widespread adoption of this guideline will have a major impact on the incidence, suffering, and mortality caused by CRC,” study authors told Science Daily.

If you are 45 or older and have not yet been screened for colorectal cancer, be sure to discuss the new guidelines with your primary care physician at your next appointment. In the meantime, follow one of these 30 easy ways to prevent cancer in your everyday life.

Your furry friends can also show signs for cancer

10 PHOTOS Cat cancer signs to watch out for See Gallery Cat cancer signs to watch out for Excessive hiding Cats love a good hiding spot, but if you notice your kitty is spending more time under the bed or in hard-to-reach places, it could signal that something’s wrong. “Owners often tell me they notice when their cat is ill if they’re usually social but have been spending more time in new hiding spots, or that they stop coming out at feeding time,” says Jake Zaidel, DVM, founder of Malta Animal Hospital in upstate New York and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. While excessive hiding is a general sign that something is off with your cat—not necessarily cat cancer—it’s still a good idea to see a vet, he says. This is what your cat is secretly trying to tell you. (Getty) Weight loss Weight loss is the number-one cat cancer symptom Dr. Zaidel says he sees. It’s often the sign of a gastrointestinal tumor. “When cats are usually food-motivated but start to turn up their nose and don’t want to eat, that’s very concerning,” he says. Cancer can also cause cats to lose weight while maintaining their regular appetite. If you notice your cat shedding pounds, either rapidly or slowly, make an appointment with your vet. This is why your cat loves your laptop so much. (Getty) Mouth changes Sores, lumps, a strange odor, bleeding, or a change in gum color can be a sign of oral cat cancer, particularly in older cats. This cancer sign in cats often goes unnoticed for too long. “We commonly find visible oral tumors because people don’t examine their pet’s mouth,” says Zaidel. “Many oral tumors can be really devastating because people don’t find them until it’s really advanced.” He also suggests brushing on a regular basis. It’s a good idea to watch when your pet yawns or eats, advises Timothy Rocha, DVM, an oncology specialist in New York City. See a vet if you notice something out of the ordinary. Find out the 50 secrets your pet is keeping from you.



(Getty) Nosebleeds Nosebleeds are never normal, says Dr. Rocha. “With an older cat, a nosebleed is particularly worrisome. It can be a sign of cat cancer in the nose,” he says. “With younger cats, I would worry more about something like a foreign object stuck up there before cancer.” Believe it or not, these cats have better jobs than you. (Getty) Diarrhea or changes in bathroom habits Occasional diarrhea usually isn’t a sign of cat cancer, says Dr. Rocha, but if it persists or gets worse, bring your cat to the vet. Excessive litter box use, difficulty peeing/moving bowels, or blood in urine or stool are also potential signs of cancer, according to PetMD.com. Pay attention to frequent vomiting—it could just be hairballs or upset stomach, but it’s also a presenting sign of GI tumors, says Dr. Zaidel. This is why cats do that weird kneading thing. (Getty) Discharge Persistent discharge from the nose or eyes is cause for concern, says Dr. Zaidel. Nasal discharge is a common sign of facial tumors, and eye discharge can signal an eye tumor. (Getty) Seizures Seizures can be a sign of brain tumors in cats, most often seen in older cats with cancer, says Dr. Zaidel. If you start to notice sudden and uncontrolled bursts of activity, like champing and chewing, jerking of the legs, or foaming at the mouth, your cat could be experiencing seizures and you should see a vet immediately, according to WebMD.com. Cats can also suffer atypical seizures, which aren’t classic convulsions but instead manifest as fits of strange behavior, like sudden rage or hysteria, excessive licking or chewing, or scratching or biting their owner. If your cat displays these 4 signs, it means that they trust you. (Getty) Skin changes “Every lump, bump, or skin change should be checked,” says Dr. Zaidel. “It could be benign or cancerous, but it’s always easier to treat the earlier it’s caught.” Feel for bumps, lumps, or swelling as you pet your cat. If you notice something iffy, don’t delay—there’s no way to distinguish between a lump that’s benign or malignant without taking a sample. Also pay attention to any sores that won’t heal or lesions that seem itchy or painful. (Getty) Weight gain Sudden weight gain or bloating can be a sign of cat cancer, specifically GI, in cats. If your cat is eating less but seems to be bulking up, take a trip to the vet, says Rocha. A sudden spike in appetite also warrants a visit. (Getty) General pain or discomfort “Pain is a rather substantial sign of cat cancer,” says Dr. Zaidel. If your cat is normally a snuggler but starts to cry out when you pick him up, a doctor’s visit is in order. These are the 17 things your cat would love to tell you. (Getty) Up Next See Gallery Discover More Like This HIDE CAPTION SHOW CAPTION of SEE ALL BACK TO SLIDE

More from :

The weird reason your mosquito bites itch for so long

11 things your itchy skin can reveal about your health

11 signs you might be headed for a heart attack