It's kind of a running joke around here, but it is a deadly serious matter. A new study reported today in the NYT shows that colonoscopies reduce the death rate from colon cancer by a whopping 53%. It further points out that colon cancer, unlike most cancers, is entirely preventable by getting a colonscopy and removing pre-cancerous polyps.

I was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 47, resulting in the removal of the lower quarter of my colon. It came back a year later in my liver, resulting in more surgery and brutal chemo. That ended 5 1/2 years ago, and I'm likely cured, but the digestive consequences are with me daily.

Don't be me. Make it a goal to get your test this spring. But beyond that, make it a goal to get your family and friends to get their test as well. Most of us aren't in much danger of colon cancer, because an active lifestyle helps prevent the disease. But we all have plenty of friends and family that do not emulate our virtuous selves. If each of us made it a goal of getting five friends to get the test, I know we can save some lives.

Colon cancer is a vicious, worthless way to die. A colonoscopy is as close to a guarantee that it won't happen to you as you can get.