KTLA reporter Eric Spillman writes on his official blog that "My colleague Hal Fishman died prematurely. If he had gone in for some routine tests, he might still be with us."

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.

But if it's caught early, the survival rate is better than 90%. Catching it early usually requires a procedure known as a colonoscopy (although there are other test methods that are also effective).

[fast forward]

Now, I'm not sure why Hal didn't go in for this type of testing. But when he finally did, it was too late. The cancer had spread from his colon to his liver, lungs, and bones. And there was nothing anyone could do.

Colon cancer generally takes years to develop. Please learn more about how you can prevent it by going to the American Cancer Society website, or by talking to your doctor, especially if you are over the age of 50.