Tony Snow, Colon Cancer and You

Tony Snow has battled colon cancer valiantly, but has lost to the killer disease. Doctors tell us that had Tony Snow's cancer been detected early he could have received treatments which could have saved his life. Colon Cancer is one of the most curable cancers one can have, but only when detected and treated 9in its' early stages. When left untreated and allowed to spread throughout the body Colon Cancer becomes one of the most deadly cancers ever.

According to statistics compiled by the American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in the United States. And sadly, it is also one of the most preventable.

Nearly all colorectal cancers begin as small non-cancerous polyps in the colon. These slowly grow into cancerous tumors. The key to preventing deadly cancers is to detect and remove these polyps before they grow into cancerous tumors.

There are three relatively simple tests doctors use to monitor (and react to) the presence of polyps in the colon.

The first and most simple is having the patient is to check for the presence of blood in the stool by using a fecal occult blood test. This test requires the patient to take small fecal samples during three separate bowel movements. The three, very tiny samples are deposited on a card in three separate panels and the card is returned to the doctor by mail. A simple chemical tests determines whether blood is present in the stool.

The presence of blood in a stool suggests the presence of polyps in the colon and requires additional testing.

The doctor may recommend a Sigmoidoscopy exam. This is done in the doctor's office and involves the insertion of a small tube containing a miniature camera in the rectum. This allows the doctor to visually inspect for the presence of polyps in the lower colon. The doctor may also photograph any polyps seen. This is a relative simple procedure which takes only about twenty minutes.

Relative to his findings the doctor may rule out the presence of polyps or may recommend a complete Colonoscopy, which provides a similar inspection of the entire colon (large and small intestines).

The Colonoscopy is a more complete and more thorough exam as it provides the doctor the capability of observing the entire colon. During the colonoscopy the doctor may also photograph any polyps observed and may also cut and remove the polyp for lab testing to determine whether a suspicious polyp is cancerous.

Once lab results are obtained medical options can be developed to treat cancerous polyps. Depending on the stage of development these may be removed during the colonoscomy or if more advanced, through surgery.

The important point to be made here is that the earlier the polyps are found and treated the easier their removal and the cancer cure will be.re will be.

The primary factor in the high rate of colorectal cancer deaths is the reluctance of people to have the above three exams. Many people choose to ignore any sort of preventive medicine including routine screenings for curable cancers. Others claim the test is to awkward and embarrassing to undergo. In attempt to overcome fear of the test News anchor Katie Couric actually had a colonoscopy performed on television!

These 'prevention' exams are critical to avoid the advanced stages of colon cancer, They are especially critical for anyone over the age of 50 or anyone with the following high risk factors:

* previous cancer diagnosis
* Crohn's disease
* Colorectal polyps
* Ulcerative Colitis
* Family history of colon cancer
* Family history of breast cancer

In many instances colon cancer has no symptoms. However, any of the following require a doctor's attention:

* rectal bleeding
* prolonged Diarrhea
* Intestinal obstruction
* abdominal tenderness
* Narrow or hard stool
* unexplained weight loss

We can prevent the unnecessary deaths of good people like Tony Snow. If only we will take time to schedule routine exams necessary to provide early detection. As to the fear and embarrassment factor from taking a colonoscopy I can testify first hand it is not a difficult or humiliating procedure. I have had two complete colonoscopies and am scheuled for a third.

Please do not ignore these life saving procedures.