CEDAR FALLS - When Deb Maus turned 50, her doctor told her it was time for a colonoscopy.

A nurse for 30 years, Maus knew the importance of one. But one week turned into the next, months slipped by, and before she knew it, she was back for her physical a year later.

After another reminder, she found herself letting another year slide by without one. She felt no urgency: She had no family history of cancer, much less colon cancer, and experienced no symptoms.

"Time got away from me," she said. "Now I'm turning 52 and (the doctor) kind of scolded me. I don't like to be scolded so I went out and did it."

Though colon cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in the U.S., doctors say it is highly preventable through screening beginning at age 50.

Those with a family history of colon cancer should talk to their physician - earlier screening may be recommended.

"The most significant risk factor for colon cancer, more than family or history, is being age 50 or older," said Dr. Victor Mujica, a gastroenterologist at Covenant Clinic. "Most people with colon cancer have no family history."

Maus now considers the stern lecture a lifesaver. Two years ago this week she finally went in for her colonoscopy. They found a growth.

For three days she didn't know the severity of her condition. She calls that time the worst part of the experience.

"Your imagination runs wild. You have this thing inside you that you just have this sense that it's growing," she said.

At first, doctors thought the cancer might have broken through the colon, which would have required chemotherapy and radiation.

It was a close call. The cancer had nearly breached the colon wall, but was only pushing up against it.

With that bit of good news, doctors moved her into surgery, where they removed the growth.

"She was in an early stage; that's what we like to see," said Mujica, who evaluated Maus' cancer through an ultrasound. "Beyond that, and prognosis is worse."

Though she avoided the most painful of cancer treatments, Maus lived for several months with an ileostomy - an opening in her abdomen that connects to the end of the small intestine. A bag is attached to the opening to collect waste. It's an uncomfortable condition that forced Maus to sleep on her back and dread eating food. It also decreases the absorption of nutrients, which left her fatigued.

She named her ileostomy bag with her nieces and nephews - they called it George. When it came time to remove it, they had a "good-bye George party," complete with cake.

To her surprise, the doctor said most people name their bags.

"I would say, 'I have to go empty George.' It was easier than saying 'leostomy,'" she said.

Eight months after her diagnosis, doctors cleared Maus to return to work. Before doing so, she made herself a bracelet with a cancer ribbon and the word "faith."

When people ask her about it, she tells them her story: If she had gone in for a colonoscopy at age 50, it's possible doctors would have found a pre-cancerous growth called a polyp, which can be safely and easily removed.

"There are so many forks in the road when you're diagnosed with cancer; so many different routes things can go," she said. "The bracelet is just kind of my reminder to appreciate each day."

Contact Jens Manuel Krogstad at (319) 291-1580 or jens.krogstad@wcfcourier.com.