There’s No Excuse to Avoid a Colon Screening

If you’re 45 or older, it’s time for a colon screening.

This is not the time to put off your colon screening. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and we want to reinforce the importance of colon screenings in detecting colon cancer early. Colon cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, yet also one of the most treatable. In fact, 90% of stage 1 (early) colon cancers are usually treatable with a 90% success rate (based on 5-year survival). Even with this success rate, colon cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer in America.

Who should have a colon screening?

If you’re 45 and over, you should have a regular colon screening — about every 10 years, unless you have special circumstances.

Discussion within the healthcare community now recommends age 45 because of troubling findings in colorectal cancer trends. While cancer deaths among older Americans are declining, deaths among those 55 and under are increasing. That’s why it’s more critical than ever to talk with your physician.

The best protection against colon cancer.

Early detection is the best protection. Get screened regularly. You must go through your physician to get a colon screening, so have the conversation with them. If you’re 45 and over, it’s time. You could also be in a high risk group, especially if colon cancer is in your family.

A colonoscopy is easy.

You’ve probably heard the stories about getting a colonoscopy. Having a conversation with your physician could save your life. If you and your physician decide a colonoscopy is best for you, relax, it's easier than you think. There’s one day of prep to empty your system, and the day of your screening is actually pretty easy. The procedure takes less than an hour, during which you’re completely asleep. There are also screenings that can be sent to your home that you can send back if your physician recommends one of those. Either screening, the process is easy and afterwards, you can continue your normal activities.

Is a visit safe?

We’ve implemented comprehensive safety protocols such as temperature checks, mandatory masks, social distancing and personal protective equipment to ensure your visit is safe.

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