Staff | Toronto News

Lung cancer is the deadliest form of the disease in this country but most would likely have a hard time identifying the second deadliest.

It's colon cancer and Canadian doctors are working hard now to get that word out because not enough people are doing enough to save their own lives.

Survival rates with early detection of colon cancer improve by about 90 per cent but less than 20 per cent of people in the high risk group are going for the test. The Canadian Cancer Society says it may just be a matter of public relations. They say education and promotional programs just aren't strong enough in this country.

The campaigns clearly work. A weekend breast cancer walk raised more than $17 million for programs in Toronto alone, and screening isn't a problem. The coloractal study demonstrates that up to 85 per cent of eligible women go for breast exams.

Researchers says one of the biggest problems with colon cancer screening is the stigma of the process but that the issue can be resolved through better education.

In a bid to help raise awareness, "The Bill Watters Show" will be broadcasting live today from the "Darryl Sittler/Pentax Smart Ass Golf Tournament".