Colon cancer: Preventable. Treatable. Beatable!

Colon health screening

4/23/09 Free Lecture: Colon Cancer: Prevention and Screening Colorectal cancer -- one of the most common cancers affecting men and women in the United States -- can be prevented with current screening tests. In addition, certain foods and chemoprevention agents, like aspirin, can reduce the chance of getting colon cancer. Learn about this, and more, from Dr. William Grady, Medical Director of the GI Cancer Prevention Program at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Free and open to the public. At Gilda's Club Seattle, 1400 Broadway. Sign up required to attend: 206-709-1400. Light refreshments at 6:45. 7:00-8:30 PM, Thursday. More information about Gilda's Club - Seattle.

Learn how to prevent colon cancer

If you are age 50 or older, colon health screening could save your life. With regular screening, you can stop colon cancer before it starts. Colon cancer starts with a growth, also called a polyp, that is not cancer. Colon health screening can find and remove growths before they develop into cancer.

"I went in for my first screening when I turned 50. I was so surprised - polyps were found and removed. I feel lucky I was able to avoid colon cancer" Ellen, Seattle

Colon health screening is strongly recommended by the American Cancer Society and by the U.S. Preventive Health Services Task Force.

Listen to Seattle stage four colon cancer survivor, Anita Mitchell, talk about her battle against colon cancer.

Ask about your family history

If you can, find out if there is a history of colon cancer in your family. It can help your medical provider decide if you need screening before age 50 and which screening test is right for you. It is important to have a colon health screening if you are age 50 or older, even if you feel fine and have no family history of colon cancer.

"I found out my dad had colon cancer so I got screened at 43. Everything was fine. I'm grateful to my dad for telling me about screening." Robert, Auburn

Ask to be screened

Don't wait for your medical provider to remind you. If you are age 50 or older, ask for a colon health screening. If you do not have a medical provider or if you need information about free or low-cost health insurance, call Community Health Access Program (CHAP) toll free 1-800-756-5437.

"Be a positive example for your family and friends - ask your provider about colon health screening." Lynda Bishop, ARNP Family Planning Clallam County

Tell others about screening

Many people don't get screened because they don't know they should. Share what you know about colon health screening with someone you care about. Colon health screening saves lives.

"Only one-half of people who need it do this important screening test - please take the time to take care of your health." Dr. Marcus Rempel Rainier Beach Community Health Center

Types of colon health screening

Fecal occult blood test

There are four recommended screening tests for colon cancer. Talk to your medical provider to find out which test is best for you and when you should be screened. People who have a family history of colon cancer may need screening earlier than age 50.

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Double contrast barium enema