Colon Cancer Screening Awareness

By: Jen Campbell

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. Screening saves lives.

Why Screening Matters

• Colon cancer often has no symptoms in early stages

• Screening can detect cancer early, when treatment works best

• Some tests can find and remove precancerous polyps

Who Should Be Screened?

• Adults aged 45 and older

• Individuals with:

• Family history of colon cancer or polyps

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome

Screening Options

• Stool-based tests (at-home options)

• Colonoscopy (typically every 10 years if normal)

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy or CT colonography (in select cases)

Warning Signs (Do Not Ignore)

• Blood in stool

• Persistent bowel habit changes

• Unexplained weight loss

• Ongoing abdominal pain or fatigue

Early detection saves lives. Screening is prevention.