Video: Early Detection, Key In Fight Against Colon Cancer

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) –  It is the deadliest cancer among men and women, we are talking about colon cancer.. But, as WCBI’s Allie Martin reports, doctors stress that colon cancer can be prevented, and cured, with the proper testing and lifestyle habits.

Dr. Roger Huey believes education about colon cancer is vital to its detection and prevention. That’s why his office set up this display throughout March, which is colorectal cancer awareness month.

Each year, 150,000  people will be diagnosed with colon cancer, and of those, 50,000 will die.

“The caveat of colon cancer is that it’s almost a totally preventable disease,” Dr. Huey said.

Colon cancer occurs when some of the cells that line the colon or rectum become abnormal and grow out of control. The abnormal growing cells create a tumor, which is the cancer. Many times, the cancer begins with noncancerous polyps.

Early detection is one of the best defenses against colon cancer. Throughout March, these self test kits have been given away at Fred’s Pharmacies. It’s a simple test that can detect hidden blood in the stool.

However, the most effective way to test for signs of cancer is with a colonoscopy.

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

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

Still, approximately 80 percent of people who develop colon cancer will have no family history, and often, there are no symptoms.

A colonoscopy is performed with a long, flexible tube, with a tiny camera at the tip called a colonoscope. It is inserted into the rectum to allow the doctors to view the inside of the entire colon.

Since I just turned 50, and have a history of the cancer in my family, Dr. Huey will perform the procedure.

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

“That allows the physician to confidently give you longer interval, or confidently look at your colon to find even the smallest lesions,” Dr. Huey said.

It may not be the most pleasant topic to discuss, but specialists say education and preventative measures can be lifesavers.

Tomorrow in part two we will go with Allie as he has a colonoscopy and you will get valuable information on how to prevent colon cancer.