Bush urges colon exam for people over 50

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A day after undergoing a colonoscopy, President Bush urged all Americans over the age of 50 to undergo the diagnostic exam to check for early signs of colon cancer.

CNN NewsPass VIDEO CNN's Suzanne Malveaux says President Bush went for a long run after a colonoscopy exam that proved negative. (June 30) Play video CNN's Christy Feig explains the medical procedure known as a colonoscopy. (June 28) Play video   EXTRA INFORMATION 25th Amendment outlines presidential succession    RESOURCES What is a colonoscopy?  How a colonoscopy works

"As unpleasant as it may sound, it is necessary and worth it for people to take precautionary measures," Bush told reporters Sunday outside the White House after returning from a weekend at Camp David, Maryland.

"It's important," said Bush, who got a clean bill of health from doctors. "They say it'll help reduce the incidence of colon cancer."

Bush said he felt great, adding that he ran and attended church Sunday morning.

Bush's doctors told him he won't have to repeat the procedure for another five years.

Saturday's colonoscopy was the third for Bush, following earlier ones in July 1998 and December 1999.

A form of benign polyp called tubular adenomas was removed in each of those procedures, White House physician Richard Tubb said.

Two anesthesiologists were on hand when Bush was given propofol, a fast-acting anesthetic, Tubb said.

Before the procedure, Bush signed letters to House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Illinois, and Sen. Robert Byrd, D-West Virginia, transferring presidential authority to Vice President Dick Cheney under the 25th Amendment. Bush resumed power later Saturday morning.