Ray Thomason is my gastroenterologist at Mountain West Gastroenterology .He told me the importance of this month long awareness program. There will be an estimated 135,400 new cases diagnosed in 2001. The pre-cancer stage can last 5 to 10 years before progressing into cancer. This is the time to detect these polyps and remove them with a simple endoscopic camera exam and cautery. Dr. Thomason stressed the importance of regular checkups for early detection.
Survival rates jump dramatically when cancers are detected at an early, localized stage.
Beginning at age 50, adults at risk have the opportunity for a variety of tests that are acceptable choices. If there is a family history of colon cancer, tests should be done at age 40 or even earlier. A talk with your doctor could lead to treatment and survival of this common but misunderstood cancer. I am a living example of the benefits of early detection. Though my cancer was not in the field of colorectal cancer, early detection by the people at Mountain West Gastroenterology is the only reason you are hearing my voice today.