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Early Detection Saves Lives

Colon cancer often develops from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. These polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer, stopping the disease before it even starts. Even if cancer is already present, catching it early dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment. In fact, when detected at an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is around 90%.

Screening Is Easier Than You Think

One of the most dangerous aspects of colon cancer is that it can grow silently. Many people can have no symptoms until the disease becomes advanced, so take the time to get screened today.

Advancements in medical technology have made screening options more accessible and less invasive. The most common methods include:

• Colonoscopy (recommended every 10 years for most people): A doctor examines the colon using a small camera and can remove polyps during the procedure.
• Stool-based tests (such as FIT or Cologuard): These are non-invasive tests that detect blood or abnormal DNA in the stool and can be done at home.

Don’t Let Fear Put You At Risk

Many people delay screenings out of fear, discomfort, or simply because they feel fine. But skipping a screening could mean missing the chance to prevent cancer or catch it early when it’s most treatable. Yet, colon cancer doesn’t wait so neither should you. Talk to your doctor about scheduling a screening today. 

With US Family Health Plan our TRICARE Prime members get to select the primary care physician of their choice from within our network of over 20,000 providers. While care recipients under other TRICARE Prime options are subject to be mandatorily assigned to medical centers with rotating teams of physicians, USFHP lets our beneficiaries build a partnership with a doctor that’s right for them.

Visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848 for more information on our healthcare plan or assistance scheduling a one-on-one appointment.