Few details have been released about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's recent surgery for colon cancer. And other than wishing Ginsburg a speedy recovery, I'd rather not delve into her personal business. But there are a couple of important facts--and potentially lifesaving guidelines--that everyone should know about colon cancer. Ginsburg's illness prompts me to offer a mini review.
First the facts: This year, 130,000 Americans will learn that they have developed a tumor somewhere in the inner lining of their colon or rectum. For those whose cancer is discovered at the earliest stages, the odds of living at least five...