Colonoscopies are critical to the early detection and treatment of colon cancer, but they're not the only thing that can help you spot the disease. You also have to pay attention to signals from your digestive system, researchers warn.

"The old saying 'listen to your gut' holds true when it comes to your health. If you notice differences that persist more than a week, contact your physician," said gastroenterologist Dr. Amit Singalin, representing colleagues at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

"Many conditions can cause digestive symptoms, but if it is cancer and you catch it early, you'll have a better prognosis," he added.

Persistent lower belly pain or discomfort, or substantial changes in bowel movements, may indicate early warning signs for colon cancer. But even if no symptoms are present, every adult age 50 and older should be screened for the disease.

MedBen WellLiving promotes age-appropriate screenings for colon cancer and other chronic diseases. Our program also encourages primary prevention through regular wellness exams, which helps your physician monitor individual changes that may alert him or her to the onset of a serious disease.

Learn more about WellLiving by visiting the MedBen website or contacting Vice President of Sales & Marketing Brian Fargus at bfargus@medben.com.

Read more about colon cancer symptoms at WebMD.