March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Javier Alvarez
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  To raise awareness of the threat colon cancer presents, the gastroenterology clinic at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson hospital is encouraging people to get screened.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States for cancers that affect both men and women. On average, 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer and more than 50,000 people die from it each year.

Despite how damaging colon cancer can be, it is preventable, said Air Force Maj. Austin Nelson, 673d Medical Operations Squadron gastroenterology clinic chief. Screenings can lead to early detection, which helps eliminate the threat.

Colon cancer is most common in people age 50 or older, he said.

According to the CDC website, if everyone 50 or older had a regular screening test, at least 60 percent of deaths from this cancer could be avoided.

There are different tests that screen for the presence of colon cancer, Nelson said. But the test that has proven to be the most thorough, and is preferred, is the colonoscopy.

"With the colonoscopy, we look for something called polyps (an abnormal growth inside the colon)," said Air Force 1st Lt. Jessica Henley, 673d MDOS gastroenterology nurse manager. "[These growths] can be precancerous or benign. If we find a polyp we remove it, and by removing it we can prevent colon cancer."

Preventive measures to lower the risk of developing colon cancer include exercise, weight loss, quitting smoking and having a well-balanced, healthy diet, Henley said.

Some of the symptoms of colon cancer include blood in the stool, change in the [size] of your stool, as well as unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain, Nelson said. But what makes colon cancer particularly dangerous is it often does not show symptoms.

"Everybody should get a colonoscopy at the age of 50," Nelson said. 

People with a family history of colon cancer are encouraged to speak with their health care professional to schedule an earlier screening, he said. Individuals who smoke or are obese are at a greater risk, however, they do not need to get screened earlier.

To schedule a screening, contact your primary care doctor and request a referral to the gastroenterologist.

Male and female gastroenterology doctors are available to provide full GI services on JBER.

"[Patients] can get a referral and come and see what it's all about," Henley said. "If they have any reservations, we can answer any questions or concerns."