According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the number three cancer killer in the U.S. But, colon cancer has a 90 percent survival rate if detected early. While the number of colon cancer-related deaths is going down, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that less than half of all Americans have the preventive screenings as recommended.

It is recommended that anyone 50 years or older, or earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer, should get a screening colonoscopy. And since there are rarely any symptoms of the disease until advanced stages, it is even more important to get the preventive screenings as recommended.

A colonoscopy is one of the leading tools used to diagnose colon cancer. Many people put off the test because it’s an embarrassing topic or think it may be painful. But in reality, patients are given a sedative and rarely feel pain during the procedure.

“With colon cancer, it is so important to get the preventive screening to detect it early or potentially prevent it,” says John Quinn, Chief Executive Officer at Spalding Regional Medical Center. “I know from personal experience how important the screening is. A few years ago, after I was screened, I encouraged my father – who had been putting off the procedure – to get a screening colonoscopy. Colon cancer was diagnosed, but fortunately it was caught in the early stages and he could be treated.”

In support of the campaign, Spalding Regional Medical Center is offering free community seminars on colon cancer. Any group who is interested in hosting a presentation can contact Liz Tarleton, Community Educator, at (770) 233-2001. For more information about colon cancer and screenings, visit www.spaldingregional.com.

Spalding Regional Medical Center’s Endoscopy Department also now has new technology with advanced imaging capabilities. Narrow band imaging is a new endoscopic imaging system that improves and enhances the visualization of lesions and other anatomical structures on mucosal surfaces. The high definition image and wider angle view help improve the detection of polyps and lesions.