March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colonoscopies Save Lives

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the US. Colorectal cancer is caused by abnormal growths, called polyps, forming in the colon or rectum and becoming cancerous. There are few, if any, symptoms in the early stages. That’s why screening is so essential for early detection.

More alarming are the rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults. In fact, the American Cancer Society has lowered its recommended age for colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 for adults of average risk.

The good news, though, is that colorectal cancer is considered preventable if caught in time. Colorectal cancer cases and deaths have steadily declined in patients over 55 because of screenings, especially colonoscopies, which can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous.

In short, they can stop cancer before it has a chance to start. Each year, we want to remind our patients that colonoscopies save lives.