Video: WCBI And Fred’s Pharmacy Team Up To Help Fight Colon Cancer

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TUPELO, MISS.  (WCBI) – Colon cancer is the deadliest cancer among men and women. That’s why WCBI
and Fred’s Pharmacy have teamed up to help raise awareness about the
disease.

Doctor Roger Huey says knowledge about colon cancer is one of the first
steps in fighting the disease. Every year, 150,000 people are
diagnosed with colon cancer and of those, 50,000 will die.

“It’s almost a totally preventable disease,” Dr. Huey said.

Colon cancer forms when some of the cells lining the colon or rectum become
abnormal and grow out of control. Those abnormal growing cells create a
tumor, which is the cancer. Often , the cancer starts with noncancerous
polyps.

Early detection is the best defense against colon cancer. Throughout March,
which is colon cancer awareness month,  self test kits have been
available for free at Fred’s Pharmacies. The simple test can detect hidden
blood in the stool.

The most effective way to test for signs of cancer is with a colonscopy.

“The gold standard, of course, is the colonoscopy, and that also allows
removal of the polyp,” Dr. Huey said.

Colonoscopies are recommended for anyone over 50, and at age 45 for African
Americans. Also, anyone with a family history of colon cancer is encouraged
to have the procedure done earlier.

It is a two step process, preparation is done the day before, to clean out
the colon for the procedure the next day.

“The key things are, presenting for a colonscopy with a clean colon,” Dr. Huey said.

The procedure is performed with a flexible tube called a colonoscope. It
has a camera at the end, along with a light source. It is also equipped
with an instrument to remove any growths or polyps, which are usually
noncancerous, but can eventually develop into colon cancer.

The colonoscopy takes about 20 minutes.

Dr Huey says a diet low in saturated fats, high in fiber, with plenty of
fruits and vegetables is a good way to help prevent colon cancer. Along
with regular exercise. And remember, schedule a colonoscopy if you are over
50.

“We don’t need to stop getting the word out, simply because March is over,
it’s something we need to do year round,”  Dr. Huey said.

Remember, you can pick up the free, EZ Detect Kit at all Fred’s Pharmacies
through the end of this month.