March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it’s a good time to raise our awareness and educate ourselves about colon cancer and how to reduce the risk of the disease. According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Iowa and one of the most preventable. All Iowans over the age of 50 are encouraged to get screened for colorectal cancer. Iowans with a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer should talk with their health care provider about screening before the age of 50.
Colon cancer often does not have symptoms at first and although the prep for a colonoscopy isn’t very pleasant, the screening is so important because when caught early, colon cancer is 90% treatable. The screening is worth the preparation!
Please make the appointment for your colonoscopy. For more information see: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/ColorectalAwareness/index.htm