March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
WWMG’s Family Medicine and Gastroenterology clinics are actively encouraging patients age 45 and older to get screened for colon and rectal cancer in the coming months. If you are over 45, have had polyps, or have a family history of colon cancer, screening may be recommended at an earlier age.
Read on to learn more about the types of colorectal cancer screenings, when and how to get screened.
Types of colorectal cancer screenings
Patients at average risk of colon cancer, with no family history, may be able to take a Cologuard or FIT test for their screening (ask your primary care provider if you’re eligible). If the test results are negative, a colonoscopy is not required. But if the test results are positive for potential abnormalities, a colonoscopy is the next step.
Even though most people don’t really want to get a colonoscopy, getting one can save your life.
When should patients get screened
Beginning at age 45, patients should get screened although this recommendation may change based on family history or if a person is showing potential symptoms of colon cancer.
When diagnosed early, colorectal cancer can be easily treated, which is why WWMG is encouraging patients to making it a priority to get screened to ensure they maintain good health.
Talk to your doctor about your concerns
Although folks may be hesitant to talk to their providers about their bowels habits, any change in regular bowel movements may indicate potential signs of cancer.
It’s important that you and your family members discuss any GI concerns with your primary care provider. They can evaluate your symptoms and provider a referral to WWMG Gastroenterology if needed.
How common are colon and rectal cancers?
There were approximately 154,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancer diagnosed in 2025, and about 53,000 of those people (34%) were expected to die from the disease.
You don’t have to be one of those statistics and neither do the ones you love! So, make it a priority for yourself and your loved ones to get screened this year.
How to schedule your screening
Request an appointment with WWMG primary care, or if you’ve already been screened, contact our Gastroenterology department at 425-259-3122 to schedule your colonoscopy today.