March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the importance of colorectal cancer screening and prevention. Current guidelines recommend screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45, either through fecal DNA testing or endoscopy. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, allowing for direct visualization and removal of polyps. Carrington Health Center can provide comprehensive health care and discuss the right colorectal cancer screening method for each patient.

Why it matters

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in both men and women, and the risk has been rising in recent decades, particularly in younger patients. Early detection and treatment are crucial for successful outcomes, making colorectal cancer screening an important preventative health measure.

The details

Current guidelines recommend screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45, either through fecal DNA testing or endoscopy. The Cologuard test is a fecal DNA test performed every three years, but it is not recommended for high-risk individuals. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, allowing for direct visualization and removal of polyps. A normal colonoscopy in the average-risk patient only needs to be done every 10 years, but the presence of polyps may require more frequent surveillance.

• March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.