March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and the Gastroenterology Department and Endoscopy Center are encouraging the public to get screened for colorectal cancer in March and all throughout the year.
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and even though most people don’t want to have a colonoscopy, having one can save your life. Beginning at age 50, everyone should be screened although this recommendation may change based on family history or signs and symptoms. If diagnosed early, colorectal cancer is preventable and can be easily treated, which is why WWMG is encouraging people to get screened.
Although people may be hesitant to talk to their doctors about their bowels habits, a change in them could indicate colorectal cancer. It’s important that you discuss your concerns with your doctor and that you encourage family members to have a colonoscopy as recommended by your physician.
So, spread the word and speak to those you love and encourage them to get tested. There were approximately 103,000 new cases of colon cancer in 2010 and about 51,000 of those people were expected to die from the disease. You don’t have to be one of those statistics and neither do the ones you love!
You can schedule with the Gastroenterology department at 425-259-3122.