Mar 31, 2008 7:20 pm US/Eastern
CBS4 Colorectal Campaign: Fighting Colon Cancer
Click here for more information on CBS4.COM/Colorectal
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
No doubt about it, the best way to beat colon cancer is to not get it in the first place.
The E-Z dectect, Test for Life Kit, can pick up traces of blood in your stool. And Dr. Jamie Barkin from Mount Sinai Hospital says a colonoscopy for people over age 50 can be a lifesaver.
"If colon cancer is caught early it's curable ," said Barkin. " If you take out growths called polyps you can prevent colon cancer ."
But still roughly 125,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. For some chemotherapy and radiation will slow the cancer, or even cure it.
But many will also need colon surgery.
Dr. Michael Hellinger says some will need a large operation called a laparatomy, where the abdominal cavity is opened up.
"Individuals with large bulky tumors, or individuals with tumors that are invading other structures ," explained Hellinger.
But if caught early enough, many colon cancer surgeries can be performed with minimally invasive techniques--where surgeons operate through a few holes in the belly. Hellinger says. "Less incisions, means less pain. Quicker recovery. Patients are eating sooner, they're back to all their activities sooner. More productive in whatever their job is a whole lot sooner."
Click here to learn more about how to pick up a test for life kit or call 1-888-447-9997.
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