Life-Saving Tests

It's the life-saving test every 50-year-old should have! One viewer, 57-year-old Diane, was long overdue for a colonoscopy, which can detect cancerous polyps. She recently decided to face her fears. "It wasn't painful," she reports. "[My doctor] made me very comfortable."

The test: Colonoscopy
When you should be tested: Starting at age 50
Why you should be tested: To prevent diverticulitis and colon cancer

Good news—Diane does not have any signs of cancer! The test did, however, reveal the existence of small pouches in her colon, or diverticula, a symptom of an unhealthy condition that can be improved by eating a diet high in fiber.

What to tell your doctor—and what exams to ask for—at every age! Be a smart patient!