A Simple Test
preventing colon cancer
By: Tekia Thompson

Americans tend to think of colon cancer as a “man’s disease,” but this is simply untrue. Colon cancer is an equal opportunity killer: women account for half of all new colon cancer cases and of all colon cancer deaths. It is the number three cancer killer of women (after cancer of the lung and breast) accounting for more than one in ten cancer deaths among women.

Betty Hampton’s Story No one knows these facts better than colon cancer survivor, Betty Hampton, an employee at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. “I thought it was more of a man’s disease,” she said. “I had heard of the disease before, but I never thought it would happen to me.” This is one of the many excuses that keep women away from the doctor and preventative cancer screenings. Doctors unfortunately diagnosed her cancer after it had advanced past the polyp stage. “I always had stomach problems as a child, but it was when I was taking care of my mother and I got sick that I knew something else was wrong.” Betty found blood in her stool, but like numerous women, she ignored the incident until it happened again two months later. “I finally made a doctor’s appointment, but didn’t keep the appointment.” Betty’s excuse for this was denial. Her symptoms worsened and she got extremely sick while on the job. Doctors diagnosed Betty with colon cancer at age 56. She underwent chemotherapy and part of her colon was removed.

Today Betty has been colon cancer free for four years. She continues to have her recommended colonoscopy. “The test is so easy,” Betty stated. “I recall being sedated and when I woke up, I asked them when they would start and they said they were already finished!” The procedure for detecting colon cancer itself is one reason many women are not tested. “I think it is more of the idea of where the procedure takes place,” Betty explained. Nonetheless, she has become a regular pro at getting the test. “Doctors tease me all the time when I go in. They say, ’Maybe next time you can do this yourself!’”

During some of her tests, doctors have found and removed polyps. Colon cancer almost always starts with a polyp. It is 90 percent preventable if found in the localized stage. Betty has become an advocate for herself and for the preventive test for colon cancer. “If I had never had the cancer, I wouldn’t be so head-strong about getting the tests,” Betty admitted. She continues to champion for early prevention and detection and educates her family about the importance of a colon cancer test when recommended.

“If I had it to do all over again, I would have gone when I should have before it got bad.” Betty’s final advice to women 50 or older or those who have a history of colon cancer in their family is, “Don’t wait. The test is so simple. It’s a life saving thing.”

Sharon Snowden’s StorySharon Snowden, spokesperson and model, has heeded the advice of women like Betty and her doctors. Sharon is a breast cancer survivor. However, when her doctor mentioned getting tested for colon cancer, all she could think was, “Great; more tests. I already go for a bone scan, a CAT scan, and various other tests each year. This is just one more thing I have to do.” According to the American Cancer Society Facts and Figures Colon Cancer Special Edition 2005, a lack of time, embarrassment, and cost are also barriers in getting tested for colon cancer.

Facts and Figures
The American Cancer Society estimates that 145,290 new cases of colon cancer occurred in 2005. Of those cases, 56,290 resulted in deaths. Early colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, which is why the tests are so very important. Most colon cancer almost always starts as a polyp and those polyps can grow to become cancerous. The American Cancer Society recommends colon cancer testing starting at age 50 for men and women. However, if there is a history of colon cancer or other types of cancer in the family, then your doctor may suggest getting tested earlier. For more information on preventative tests for colon cancer, for a free information kit, or the American Cancer Society, call 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Knowing how important early detection is, Sharon scheduled an appointment and followed through on her testing. “I think people don’t like to talk about cancer in general, especially colon cancer,” Sharon stated. “It’s the worrying about the possible results that frightens some people.” It is important for women to know that this is a life saving test and that colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers if detected early. “I remember my doctor told me, ’I don’t go in looking for cancer. I go in looking for polyps.’ That is what makes this test so important,” she explained. Like Betty, Sharon’s test revealed polyps that were removed. “You can do the test over part of your weekend and half a work day if you’re worried about missing days at work.” By continuing to get regular preventative tests, Sharon has become her number one advocate for awareness and education of the importance of colorectal cancer tests to reduce mortality rates.

“You would spend a lot more time worrying about the ’what ifs’ and the results than you would if you just got the test,” Sharon exclaimed. “It is so valuable when you think about the rest of your life. Having the test reduces doubt and worry.”

Tekia Thompson works as the Public Relations Specialist for the American Cancer Society - KC Metro Office. You can contact her at Tekia.Thompson@cancer.org.