March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Screening Saves Lives
March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Screening Saves Lives
March brings an important reminder for adults and families across our region: it’s National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to talk about prevention, early detection, and the life-saving power of routine screenings.
Colorectal cancer, which is cancer of the colon or rectum, remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. The encouraging news is that it is also one of the most preventable. With recommended screenings beginning at age 45 for most adults, providers can often find precancerous polyps and remove them before cancer ever develops.
Because early colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms, many people feel perfectly healthy and assume testing can wait. Medical experts say that delay can be dangerous.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about colorectal cancer is that you’ll know something is wrong,” explains Yuan Stevenson, MD, general surgeon at CCM Health. “In reality, many patients feel completely fine. Screening allows us to detect small changes early, treat them quickly, and in many cases prevent cancer altogether. That’s incredibly powerful.”
Why routine colorectal screening matters
Screening is about more than detection, it is prevention.
During a colonoscopy, physicians can identify abnormal growths long before they become cancerous. When found early, colorectal cancer is also far more treatable, often requiring less extensive therapy and offering better long-term outcomes.
National data continues to show that people who stay up to date on recommended screenings significantly reduce their risk of dying from the disease.
For Eleazar Briones, MD another member of CCM Health’s surgical team, those numbers translate directly into neighbors, friends, and family members.
“We have the ability to change someone’s future with a single screening,” says Dr. Briones. “When we find and remove a polyp, we may have just stopped cancer before it started. When we find cancer early, treatment is typically easier and recovery is often better. That’s why we encourage people not to put this off.”
Close-to-home care makes a difference
For many individuals, barriers like travel, scheduling, or uncertainty about the procedure can lead to postponing care. Having access to colonoscopy services locally at CCM Health helps remove those obstacles and keeps patients near their support systems.
Both surgeons emphasize that today’s screening process is safe, routine, and performed with patient comfort as a top priority.
“People are often nervous because they don’t know what to expect,” Dr. Stevenson says. “Our team walks patients through every step. Most tell us afterward that it was much easier than they imagined — and they’re grateful they did it.”
When should you get screened?
Most adults at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continue regularly until age 75. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or certain medical conditions may need to start earlier.
If you are unsure when you should be screened, a conversation with your primary care provider is a great first step.
Take action during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
This March and beyond, CCM Health encourages everyone to make prevention a priority. Whether you are scheduling your first colonoscopy or getting back on track after postponing one, taking action now could save your life.
“The best screening is the one that gets done,” Dr. Briones adds. “If you’re due, we’re here and ready to help you take that step.”
To learn more or schedule a colorectal cancer screening, contact your primary care provider and ask if a screening is right for you. Call (320) 269-8877 to learn more.
Early detection. Prevention. Peace of mind.