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# Battle versus colon cancer takes center stage
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/battle-versus-colon-cancer-takes-center-stage/
- Published: 2005-03-08T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T06:12:23.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Health, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

More than 60,000 Americans die each year of colon cancer, making it a bigger killer than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

After doctors discovered polyps on his colon in 2002, President George W. Bush brought colon cancer center stage by declaring March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The fight against the deadly disease has since gained momentum, thanks to the efforts of celebrity-advocates such as Katie Couric, whose husband died of the disease in 1998\. In efforts to further educate the community about colon cancer, Anton Bilchik, M.D., director of gastrointestinal surgical oncology at John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, is offering tips and guidelines to help prevent the disease.

There are many warning signs and symptoms linked to colorectal cancer. Dr. Bilchik advises patients to consult their doctor should they be experiencing any of the following indicators: ■ Blood in or on the stool and/or rectal bleeding. ■ Persistent diarrhea or constipation. ■ Stools that are narrower than usual. ■ A feeling of an incomplete bowel movement. ■ Stomach discomfort, bloating, or gas pains. ■ Unexplained weight loss, weakness and fatigue. To reduce the risk, Dr. Bilchik and the American Cancer Society recommend that patients exercise, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods and avoid or limit tobacco and alcohol use.

“Recognizing the risk factors and realizing the importance of early detection enhances colon health and significantly improves survival rates,” he added.

Since 1981, the John Wayne name has been committed by the Wayne family to groundbreaking cancer research and education in memory of their father who died of cancer. The John Wayne Cancer Institute has received world-wide acclaim for advances in melanoma, breast and colon cancer, as well as immune therapy of cancer.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 8, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/030805.pdf?ref=smdp.com)