According to the Texas Cancer Data Center, Delta, Fannin, Lamar and Red River Counties have a higher percentage of residents over the age of 50, compared to the state average. Texas has 24.6% of its population over 50, while Delta County has 35.7%; Fannin County, 32.6%; Lamar County, 32 % and Red River County, 37.1%. 

Claudia Irwin, cancer education project specialist at Paris Regional Medical Center, says the older population in Northeast Texas translates to an increased statistical presence of colon cancer among its residents.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer, striking both men and women in almost equal frequency, Irwin said. Seventy-five percent of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death (after lung cancer) in the United States. Irwin said colon cancer accounts for the following percent of cancer deaths in Northeast Texas: Delta County, 10%; Fannin County, 9.3%; Lamar County, 9 % and Red River County, 12.2%.

Colon cancer is known as a "silent" cancer; there are no early symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body making treatment more difficult and decreasing the chances for survival. Colorectal cancer usually starts with polyps, small grape-like growths, that form on the inside lining of the large intestine. Polyps may start out as benign or harmless, but certain types of polyps (adenomatous polyps, especially if they are large or there are many of them) may turn into cancer. 

"Beginning at age 50, regular colorectal cancer screenings could save your life," the cancer education specialist explained. "Working with your doctor, you may choose a colorectal cancer screening procedure."

Those tests may include:
    Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), which involves sending a smear of stool to a lab to check for occult (hidden) blood.  Blood in the stool can be a sign of polyps, cancer or other internal disorders. A FOBT is recommended yearly after age 50.
    Flexible Sigmoidoscopy is a visual examination for growths in the lower half of the colon, using a sigmoidoscope, a narrow, flexible, lighted tube. During this procedure, the doctor may remove abnormal polyps and/or collect tissue samples. The test is recommended every five years.
    Double-Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE) or Barium X-Ray is a test where x-rays are taken of the rectum and the entire colon, after the person is given an enema with a barium solution, followed by an injection of air. The barium coats the lining of the intestines so that polyps and other abnormalities will appear on an X-ray. Testing is recommended every five years.
    Colonoscopy is a visual examination for growths of the entire colon and rectum, using a colonoscope, a flexible, lighted tube. A colonoscopy involves some preparation and mild sedation. During this procedure abnormal polyps may be removed and tissue samples collected. A colonoscopy may be used as a screening test or as a follow-up diagnostic tool in cases where other screening tests yield positive results. A colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years beginning at age 50.  

"Colorectal cancer is curable if caught early," Irwin explains. "It is important to be aware that colorectal cancer screenings can detect polyps, that removal of polyps can prevent colorectal cancer, and that colorectal cancer is curable if detected early. 

March 2007 marks the eighth annual National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, she adds. "Be aware of your and your loved ones' risks and get screened."