Early detection of colorectal cancer saves lives. For veterans, it just got easier.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Christina Sterling is a veterans’ health advocate and founder of The Sterling Promise Foundation, a mission-driven nonprofit aiming to improve health and wellness for veterans, including increasing awareness about early detection for cancer and providing critical screenings.

My husband Scott embodied the values that define military service: dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to his brothers-in-arms. He served with distinction in the U.S. Army’s elite units, from the 75th Ranger Regimental Reconnaissance Detachment to 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta.

Scott lived two and a half strong years after being diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer. He fought the only way he knew how – with grit, perseverance, courage and mental fortitude. As we observe National Cancer Prevention Month, it is a reminder about the importance of sharing Scott’s story to encourage other veterans to get early, lifesaving cancer screening. 

Today, approximately 1.6 million veterans are overdue for their colorectal cancer screening. I understand the barriers they face as they are forced to navigate a complex health system after their military service ends.

I also understand the lifesaving difference early detection can make. The Sterling Promise Foundation was created in Scott’s honor with this mission in mind: to help bridge the gaps, including financial; to better support our veteran community through increased awareness about early detection; and to provide critical cancer screenings.

Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in men under 50 and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women under 50. Sadly, colorectal cancer deaths among adults under 50 are on the rise.

Colorectal cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for both men and women combined. These statistics are not only troubling, they are preventable. Colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught early. In fact, the five-year survival rate for patients with early stage, localized colorectal cancer is 91%.

For many veterans, the obstacles for screening can seem insurmountable: the preparation required, the time commitment, the discomfort, the lack of awareness regarding screening recommendations, limited access to health care, stigmas associated with seeking preventative care – and even fear of a cancer diagnosis. 

Equally as important is an underlying, unspoken barrier for troops and veterans. They are trained to be tough, to push through pain and to put country ahead of themselves. I understand this mindset, and it is what makes our nation’s soldiers the best in the world. However, once someone has been diagnosed with cancer, the battlefield is unlike anything a soldier has experienced. It is something that no one can train for, or control. As I often tell people, if you dread a colonoscopy, try fighting advanced colorectal cancer.

The good news is that screening does not have to be feared or complicated anymore. New advancements are removing the barriers and stigma that have kept so many veterans from being screened. One such option is the Shield blood test from Guardant Health.

It is the first and only FDA-approved primary screening test for colorectal cancer in adults 45 and older at average risk – and it’s available to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Community Care Network and eligible active-duty service members and their families through Tricare with no copay.

The Shield blood test removes the barriers that have kept millions of veterans from screening. No prep. No colonoscopy. Just an easy and more convenient blood test that gives veterans and their families the option they have been waiting for.

The Sterling Promise Foundation was founded in Scott’s memory to serve veterans and their families and to remove the obstacles that stand between them and the care they deserve. Shield, and other innovations alike, represent everything the Foundation fights for: access, dignity and the power to take control of your own health. That is why I am especially proud that Guardant Health is The Sterling Promise’s proud partner in this important mission. 

This is a call to action. Early detection will save your life. Treat this mission like you would any other. Educate yourself, plan, prioritize and follow through. Your life depends on it.