Doctors are recommending that older American get screened for colon cancer. Casey Bortnick has more.

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From measuring his own blood pressure to keeping his blood sugar under control..

"It's a struggle because diabetes was something I never knew I had either."

...Joseph Schwan is finally taking care of himself.

"I don't like to rush into anything," Schwan said.

All he needed was some encouragement from his doctors.

"They pushed and they pushed in the right way and I'm very thankful that they did," Schwan said.

Thirteen years after doctors recommended it, Schwan was screened for colon cancer, a test he says saved his life.

"I definitely wouldn't be in the same health I am now. That I can guarantee," Schwan said.

Schwan was treated before he developed cancer. Doctors say it's part of an encouraging trend.

"We're finding colon cancers at an earlier stage and people are coming in for colonoscopy more readily," said Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein.

According to the CDC, more older Americans, those ages 50 to 75, are getting tested for colon cancer. Dr. Goldstein at Rochester Hospital says it's all about education.

"Showing them the importance of screening, that it can be life saving. I think with a better explanation that people are willing to go ahead and do the right thing and do the procedure," Dr. Goldstein said.

Colonoscopy might not be pleasant, but some say it beats the alternative.

"This is a much easier procedure to go through than trying to rid your body of cancer of some kind," Schwan said.

For Schwan, the self proclaimed procrastinator, it's a test he now knows is too important to put off.

"If you catch this stuff at the right stage, it will make your life a whole lot easier going down the road," Schwan said.