The life you save might be your friend's, your father's, your son's or even your own.

When it comes to prostate and colon cancer, the most effective treatment is early detection — and that makes regular screening a key component of your personal wellness roadmap.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer patients who catch and treat their illness early is nearly 90 percent, proof that regular cancer screenings can be the difference between life and death.

Most men should have exams for prostate and colon cancers annually, beginning at age 50. Depending on your personal and family medical history, however, your primary care manager may prescribe examinations more or less frequently. Consult your healthcare team to develop a screening regimen based on your own unique needs.

Colon cancer screening and prostate cancer screening are Tricare-covered benefits that require no copayments and no authorization; just make your appointment and go.

And be sure to encourage your friends, father and sons to do the same. You just might end up saving their life!