March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, during which, people are made aware that early detection offers better chances in dealing with cancer. However, only less than half of people aged 50 and older get tested for colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. If detected early, the problem can be prevented and survival chances are high.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colon cancer has a 90% cure rate when detected early. CT Colonography (CTC) or ‘virtual colonoscopy’ is used to screen for the disease. It is a high-tech, low-dose X-rays to produce moving images of the colon. The images are analyzed by doctors to detect colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. This is also increasing the colorectal screening rates.

This month, West Tennessee Healthcare along with the Kirkland Cancer Center and Foundation have partnered with area pharmacies to distribute hemoccult test kits across the region. The test detects hidden blood in the stool which is an early sign of colorectal cancer.

“There’s such an emphasis because it’s largely preventable. Most cases, it’s preventable if people have proper screening. Around 30 million in the U.S. in a given year are not up to date on screening. That’s where you could make a big impact if these people would get in and get screened,” said Dr. Archie Wright, oncologist, hematologist and medical director for the Kirkland Cancer Center.

People can get their free kits from local pharmacies and later return them in the envelopes provided. The pharmacies will mail the kits to lab for testing. If anyone is found to have positive hemoccult test, the person will be screened by gastroenterologist. The Colorectal cancer is third most common cancer.