According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, in almost all cases, early diagnosis can lead to a complete cure.
So why do some people put off getting the life saving test? Most say, it's because they don't have any symptoms. Others say it's the unpleasant test that turns them away.
A local man is sounding the alarm when it comes to colon cancer, saying there's no excuse for putting off a test that could very well save your life.
Jack Prescott says it's not the most pleasant experience you'll ever have but it could be the most life saving one.
“A little over 2 and a half years ago, I had, during a routine colonoscopy screening. It was discovered that I had colon cancer. The next day I was operated on.”
Until he retired, Jack Prescott was the boss over at the Panama City Paper Mill. Before he left that job, one of his last requests of his employees was to get screened for colon cancer. That's because he's been there and survived.
"A colon resection which was successful, the cancer had not passed through the colon and therefore I didn't have to have chemotherapy or treatments further that that."
But he knows all too well how many people just don't take the time to go to the doctor. And if not caught early colon cancer can lead to death.
"There is absolutely no excuse for anybody not knowing they have colon cancer before it's advanced to the points that it has to be treated with radiation, chemotherapy and more drastic measures."
Prescott has made it his mission to get the word out and save as many lives as possible.
“I always had wonderful health all my life. I Sort of took things for granted. I guess this was a wake up call that maybe I ought to do this and get other people to do it too.
Even if you think you're okay and you don't have any symptoms or even a clue that anything is wrong-- this silent killer may be lurking.
"I have no family history, no indication at all and I can tell you some stories about people that I have recommended that they go and get this colonoscopy screening that are glad they did."
“I had one gentleman I worked with that went in to get a colonoscopy 8 months after I started harassing him about this. He had 4 cancerous polyps that were able to be removed during the colonoscopy."
Prescott has a message for those people who keep putting off making that appointment.
“Do yourself a favor and take care of your health. Because when you've lost your health you've lost everything. Do it for your family, your friends, just do it.”
Prescott went as far as having health professionals visit the paper mill and sign people up for the procedure.
Medical News
-
Health workers strike at UC Calif. medical centers
Thousands of healthcare workers walked off the job at the University of California's five medical centers on Tuesday, delaying surgeries, diagnostic procedures, treatments and emergency care throughout the state. -
Vermont passes law allowing doctor-assisted suicide
Vermont on Monday became the fourth U.S. state to end legal penalties for doctors who prescribe medication to terminally ill patients seeking to end their own lives. -
'Uninsurables' at risk as states fear losing health aid
Thousands of people with serious medical problems are in danger of losing coverage under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul because of cost overruns, state officials say. -
Your kitchen isn't as clean as you think!
If you're a smoothie lover, take note. Eight spots in your kitchen -- including your blender -- may be alive with foodborne pathogens potent enough to sicken you and your family, a new study finds.
-
'Rapid strides': Advances offer hope for amputees
It will be weeks, at least, before Celeste Corcoran is anywhere near ready to think about artificial limbs. The 47-year-old Lowell, Mass.
-
People think they're eating less than they are, survey finds
People may realize that fast food isn’t health food, but they don’t realize just how fattening it really is, researchers report. They surveyed people eating at 10 burger, chicken, sandwich and doughnut chains and found they greatly underestimated just how much they were chowing down.
-
Report questioning salt guidelines riles heart experts
An unusual medical brawl erupted on Tuesday when the influential Institute of Medicine issued a report questioning the basis of years of advice for Americans to cut their salt intake in half. -
Chris Christie's weight-loss procedure doesn't always work
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie revealed that he's had gastric-band weight-loss surgery, which experts say has the least amount of short-term risk but also yields the least amount of weight loss.
-
Caffeinated gum raises health buzz
A new line of caffeinated chewing gum is causing jitters among health advocates and prompting federal officials to take a new look at the proliferation of jolt-infused foods, including those marketed to children and teens.
-
Dr. Oz's tips for losing those last 10 pounds
Stress, the slowing of metabolism of middle age, and hormone changes after having a baby are three main reasons why many people see the numbers on the scale going up. Dr. Mehmet Oz shares tips on how to shed those final 10 pounds.
-
Anger may raise heart attack risk, study finds
Bottling up emotions is thought to harm both mind and body, but a new study suggests that the opposite extreme may be no better. -
Just one daily soda can raise diabetes risk
Drinking just one 12-ounce soda a day may increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, a new study from Europe suggests. -
Gut bugs linked to heart attacks, strokes
Thousands of heart attack victims every year have none of the notorious risk factors before their crisis - not high cholesterol, not unhealthy triglycerides. -
12 school football players die each year, study finds
Each year in the U.S. an average of a dozen high school and college football players die during practices and games, according to a new study that finds heart conditions, heat and other non-traumatic causes of death are twice as common as injury-related ones. -
Chelation little help for heart disease: study
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Removing metals from the body through a controversial treatment has little effect on the long-term health of people who've previously suffered a heart attack, according to the results of a government-funded trial released Tuesday.
-
Brisk walk may be as good as a run, study finds
Walking really is just as good for you as running – but only if you compare it in terms of calories burned and not merely on time spent, researchers reported on Thursday. -
Smart jocks: Fit kids do better at math, reading
Forget the old high school clichés about athletes not doing as well academically as less sporty kids -- a new study shows that children who exercise more do better in math, reading tests.
-
Seeing green might make your workout better
The positive effects of green exercise may have more to do with the color green than with being surrounded by nature, according to a new study. -
No time to exercise? Try 10-minute workouts
The procrastinators, the super-busy, and the easily bored in pursuit of a manageable fitness routine may find what they seek in the 10-minute workout.
-
Stressed? Exercise may help ward off anxiety
Exercise not only improves mood, it may help people maintain reduced anxiety in the face of stressful or emotional events, a new study says.
