According to the American Cancer Society colon cancer mortality has declined due to early detection. Dan Labreche was diagnosed with colorectal cancer about a year ago. Since then he has successfully responded to treatment and was on the road to recovery. Dan's tumor was shrinking one day and the next. "And when they went in it was holy mackerel it was almost back to its original size," exclaims Dan.

Dan is only 56, so he is younger than normal for colorectal cancer. Physicians advise those over 50 to get tested, because you may be more at risk than you think. Colorectal Surgeon Jeanette Gaw says, "Being a colorectal surgeon I've had patients come see me for what they thought were hemorrhoids and unfortunately I'll have to tell them unfortunately its not hemorrhoids its cancer."

When given a colonoscopy, typically rectal exams are also performed, which in Dan's case could have caught the cancer a lot sooner. Unfortunately he didn't have the test and wrote the warning signs off as something else. "I would recommend, once your 50 and over man get those colonoscopies because if I had I probably wouldn't be going through anywhere near what I have," says Dan.

Dan now awaits surgery to have his bladder and prostate removed. He has advice for other cancer patients alike: "Listen to those doctors they know more than you do."

Dan is now ready to take on any challenge thrown his way. Physicians report that 80% of rectal cancer patients respond to chemo radiation, but the earlier it is detected the higher the survival rate.