Colorectal Cancer Awareness

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare Endoscopy Department uses this special month as an opportunity to educate the community about the importance of colonoscopy screening.

Despite progress, colon cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States.  Colon cancer is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented through screening.  Precancerous polyps, from which colon cancers often develop, can be identified and removed before they become cancerous.  The American Cancer Society recommends adults age 50 and older get tested for the disease. People with colon cancer in their families may need to start getting tested when they are younger. Both men and women are at risk, and 90 percent of cases are diagnosed in people older than 50. Many people may be afraid of getting tested – yet the test can save your life.

GVMH encourages those who have increased or high risk to talk to their doctor about the appropriate screening test and schedule for them.