March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. However, it is highly preventable and treatable if caught early. On Monday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Logan Medical Center, James Stammer, M.D., will host a free talk on “Colon Cancer: Are You At Risk?” Dr. Stammer, a gastroenterologist surgeon who visits the Specialty Clinic in Guthrie on a weekly basis, will be speaking out with advice on this potentially life-threatening disease. Stammer will discuss the common risk factors for this disease and he will also address symptoms associated with colon cancer and the importance of early detection. “It’s my goal to help alleviate the fear and embarrassment by providing people with valuable information that will result in more people getting tested for colon cancer,” says Stammer. “Education and early detection are essential.” Because there are often no symptoms when it is first developing, colorectal cancer can only be caught early through regular screening. “The possibility of curing patients after symptoms develop is only 50%, but if colorectal cancer is found and treated at an early stage before symptoms develop, the opportunity to cure it is 80% or better,” Dr. Stammer adds. The free program will be held in the hospital conference room and is open to the public. Please RSVP by calling 282-6700 ext. 170.