This Veterans Day, let’s honor service members by protecting our health

I am a proud US Army Veteran and Alaskan. While being a member of our armed forces includes years of training, service, and sacrifice, it also includes caring for each other, our families, our communities, and ourselves. This Veterans Day, as we honor the sacrifices made to protect our country, I want to remind my fellow Alaskans and veterans of the importance of protecting our health.

Nearly 53,000 Americans will die from a highly preventable disease this year: colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, even though, when caught early, the five-year survival rate is as great as 91 percent. When detected late, the survival rate drops to just 16 percent.

In the military, not only do we prepare for emergencies, but we also study the signs so that, when possible, we can catch them before they happen. When it comes to colorectal cancer, catching it early can mean the difference between life and death.

Here in Alaska, acting early is more important than ever. More than 100 Alaskans are expected to die from colorectal cancer this year, and our native communities have the highest diagnosis rates in the world. Just like in the military, preparedness is never just about you. It’s about your team, your family, your community—the people who rely on you—and our responsibility to protect them as well.

One in three eligible Americans are not up to date on their recommended colorectal cancer screenings, often because current methods may seem inconvenient or unpleasant. The good news is that screening doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. While traditional colonoscopies and stool-based tests remain essential tools, new options like Shield, the first FDA-approved blood test for colorectal cancer which is covered by Medicare and VA Community Care, provide patients and doctors with additional ways to detect the disease early through a simple blood test.

This Veterans Day, I encourage my fellow Alaskans and veterans to make a plan to take charge of their health. Schedule a screening, talk to your doctor and remind those you love to do the same. Our commitment to service continues by prioritizing our health so that we may be present and active for those who depend on us for the years ahead.

Sharon Jackson is an Army veteran and former Alaska state representative.