VANCOUVER -- Compared to breast and prostate cancer, there's a lot less awareness about colorectal cancer, the 2nd biggest killer of men and women, next to lung cancer. Though deadly, if this cancer is detected early, it's more than 80 percent curable. Even though screening tests are available, experts say people need to know about them.
Alan Ezrin is a colorectal cancer survivor and Biotech executive. As a research scientist, Alan Ezrin worked on developing drugs for cancer. But when the biotech executive experienced a rumbling tummy, fatigue and unusual stools, he talked himself out of an appointment with a specialist.
Two months later, he was diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer and tests showed it had spread to his lymphatic system.
Alan comments, "the type I had, in its late stages as it was, was actaully there for almost ten years and it was totally quiet."
He later found out, his father, now 95, had had colon cancer at the age of 40.
People with a family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps are at increased risk for this type of cancer and should be screened regularly. For those over 50, this type of test is recommended.
The screening test detects blood in the stools, which may indicate the presence of precancerous polyps.
In BC, this test is now free of charge, but not all family doctors are using it. The BC Cancer agency wants to get the word out that screening does save lives.
Dr. Hagan kennecke, Medical Oncologist at BC Cancer Agency, says, "You can always do better and I think by raising awareness. We're going to improve the lives of people with colorectal camcer. We're going to catch more cancers earlier and hopefully cure more cancers.
Six years after his surgery and chemotherapy, Alan is cancer free. He's now a strong advocate for greater awareness.
Alan says, "I've been known to raise the topic at dinner tables and on airplanes and when you ask somebody have you had a colonoscopy, they say excuse me that's very private, but when you get into it, it can save your life."
Colonoscopies are the gold standard in early detection especially for people considered to be at high risk. If you'd like more information about colorectal cancer, its prevention and treatment, you can attend a special public forum this Saturday at the BC Cancer Research Centre. The event starts at 9 am. If you'd like to attend, you can call 604-877-6162. The forum is free, but you're asked to pre-register.
Friday February 24, 2006
