James Earl Jones Hosts a New Segment on Colon Cancer for "Voices In America", Created for Public Television

    MIAMI GARDENS, FL, January 19, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In an upcoming episode, Voices in America with host James Earl Jones (Star Wars, Dr. Strangelove) will discuss colon cancer. Colon cancer is among the top ranking causes of death of people over the age of 50 in America and is the third most commonly diagnosed form of malignant cancer found in both men and women.

This deadly disease was detected in as many as 93,090 Americans last year, in 2015. This cancer of the large intestine, the colon- the largest part of the human digestive system includes rectal cancer. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last few inches of the colon, known specifically as the rectum. Colon cancer begins, in most cases, as a small polyp growing in the lining of the colon or rectum. These polyps are small non-cancerous clumps of cells which may- over time- become cancerous tumors. These precancerous polyps may cause a few symptoms, such as discomfort, or trouble passing stool. But most of the time they are painless and can only be detected using a colonoscopy. The major risk factors are smoking, a poor diet or a diet consisting of a large amount of red meat, and age. Early detection is the most effective treatment. After the disease is established, surgery and other cancer treatments will be needed. Instances of the disease have decreased in recent years- a fact that is attributed solely to public education about the merits of early detection.

(Sources: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-key-statistics, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/basics/definition/con-20031877)

Voices in America is an independent production for distribution to PBS and APT television stations across the country. It is neither produced by or affiliated with those stations.

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