Catch it early

By Gail Marshall on March 28, 2007 8:57 AM

Tony Snow, White House spokesman, on Tuesday announced a recurrence of his colon cancer. Armen D. Bacon of Fresno wrote a very nice commentary on the topic of early detection of colon cancer for Saturday's Valley Voices page. If you're over 50 and haven't read it, invest a few minutes. It's compelling reading and might actually encourage you to get over your fears and schedule that annual colonoscopy exam, which she says isn't painful at all.

After the commentary appeared, I got this e-mail from Armen with her typical humor:

"Well, a friend brought it to my attention that the colonoscopy article appeared on Page 'B9' which we both thought to be extremely 'cool' and I just wanted to tell you about the amazing responses I have received from the article. Although I don't particularly want to become famous for writing these sorts of articles, I did love receiving a call at home from a 79 year old man who was scared and reluctant to have the procedure this coming Thursday. After reading the article, he felt reassured, unafraid, and much less anxious. So many women have also called me to confess their fears and worries about anyone examining them 'down there.' "


Jim Boren, editor of the editorial pages, also passed on this press release from state Sen. Jenny Opreza, a cancer survivor, encouraging colonoscopies.

Early detection is crucial Senator Oropeza urges residents to get regular screenings for colorectal cancer

SACRAMENTO - State Sen. Jenny Oropeza, herself a cancer survivor, is urging Californians to help protect themselves from colorectal cancer through screening, a healthy diet and learning the methods of prevention and early detection.

"Colorectal cancer is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths among men and women both in California and nationwide," Oropeza, D-Carson, said Tuesday. "More than 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and a third of them will die.

"Compounding this tragedy is the fact that colorectal cancer is one of the most detectable and, if found early enough, most treatable forms of cancer," she said.

Oropeza made the comments after reviewing recent reports on colorectal cancer and on the same day it was confirmed White House Press Secretary Tony Snow had liver cancer two years after suffering colon cancer.

Oropeza noted the following:

· More than 90 percent of those diagnosed while the cancer is still localized survive more than five years -- but only 37 percent of colorectal cancers are detected while still localized.

· Screening for colorectal cancer is underutilized, and less than 50 percent of individuals older than age 50 receive annual screenings for colorectal cancer.

· Regular screenings can detect polyps that lead to colorectal cancer.

"Adopting a healthy diet at a young age can significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer," said Oropeza, who recovered from liver cancer two years ago and is sponsoring a ban on smoking in cars with children, Senate Bill 7. "Clearly, regular screenings and detection saves lives."

For more, visit Oropeza's Web site at the address below.

Elected to the Assembly in 2000 and the Senate in 2006, Jenny Oropeza is one of the highest-ranking Latinos in the Legislature and chairs the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee. For more, visit www.senate.ca.gov/oropeza

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