Early detection key to stopping second most common cause of cancer death Published March 5, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- It's the second most common cause of cancer-related death among men and women in the United States, but it is preventable, according to the American Cancer Society. It is colon cancer. March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. The 325th Medical Group encourages men and women age 50 and older to contact their doctor to be tested for colon cancer. "Colon cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer, if it is caught soon enough," said Capt. Doreen Richard, 325th Medical Group Colon Cancer Awareness Month representative. "That is why it is so important to be tested." To aid in the fight against colon cancer, the clinic sends letters to patients 50 years old and older, encouraging them to schedule an appointment with their primary care manager for a screening. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for people whose colon cancer is found and treated at an early stage is 90 percent, but because many people are not being tested, only 39 percent of colon cancers are found at the early stage. Many people avoid getting tested because they're apprehensive about the preparation for the tests, but the tests are key to early detection, said Captain Richard. Colon cancer, as with all cancers, can be fatal, which makes prevention and detection vital. This lesson was learned by a member of Team Tyndall. In 2005, Lt. Col. Karen White, Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency utility litigation and negotiation team chief, made an appointment with her PCM about some digestive problems she was having. "I didn't think that I had cancer, but I wanted to address my symptoms instead of just dealing with it as a part of getting older," said Colonel White. She was then scheduled for a colonoscopy. During the procedure, two polyps were found. One was cancerous. Another procedure followed to ensure the cancer was fully removed. "I did not need any further treatment, like radiation or chemotherapy, because my cancer had been caught so early," she said. Although Colonel White is not in the typical age range for colon cancer, her active response to her symptoms may have saved her life. "While the preparation for a colonoscopy is mildly unpleasant, the benefits of having the test done far outweigh the temporary inconvenience of the test preparation," said Colonel White. "If you are 50 years old or older, you are at risk for colon cancer and you should be tested. If you're under 50, but are having any symptoms that concern you, talk to your primary care physician about your concerns. "I am so grateful I did not ignore my symptoms and my doctor referred me for testing," she added. "My life would not be the same if I had waited." In her situation, an ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure. For more information on colon cancer or to be screened, contact your PCM at 283-2778.