Feb 24

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and a good time to learn more about colorectal cancer and how it can be prevented and diagnosed in its early stages.

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the US. The American Cancer Society estimates that 143,460 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2012 and that 51,690 of them will die from colon cancer in the United States. However, colorectal cancer is also one of the most easily prevented cancers. Most of these cancer deaths can be prevented through early screening with colonoscopy.

Screenings are recommended for everyone over the age of 50, or younger if other risk factors are present. In most cases, screening can prevent colon cancer by finding and removing polyps before they become cancerous. However, if cancer is present, earlier detection means a greater chance of cure.

At Gastroenterology of the Rockies, we continue our effort to make colonoscopy screenings accessible and convenient for all of your patients by offering Saturday screenings in addition to our regularly scheduled hours throughout the year. Please call us at 303-604-5000 for a list of available Saturdays. Schedule your screening today!