March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on a disease that often hides in silence. The good news? Colon cancer is highly preventable and treatable when caught early. By raising awareness, encouraging screenings, and making healthier choices, we have the power to protect ourselves and the people we love.
Regular screenings
Colon cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular screenings essential. A colonoscopy is the most common and effective screening method, allowing doctors to detect and remove precancerous polyps before they have the chance to develop into cancer.
“Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening,” said Dr. Shawn Roberts, general surgeon at Riverwood Healthcare Center. “Procedure prep is much easier than it used to be, and it’s well worth staying up to date. It’s one of the strongest tools we have for preventing colon cancer.”
Risk factors
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that about 1 in 24 men and 1 in 26 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
Several factors can increase your risk, including:
- Age: Risk increases with age, with most cases occurring in individuals over 45.
- Family history: Having a parent or sibling with colon cancer raises your risk.
- Lifestyle: Diets high in red or processed meats, low physical activity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use contribute to increased risk.
Prevention
While some risk factors—such as age and family history—cannot be changed, healthy habits and proactive care can significantly reduce risk:
- Healthy diet: Choose foods rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables while limiting red and processed meats.
- Regular exercise: Staying active helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers colon cancer risk.
- Routine screenings: Regular checkups and colonoscopies are key to early detection and prevention.
Schedule your screening
If you are 45 or older, or if you have a family history of colon cancer, now is the time to talk with your healthcare provider about scheduling a colonoscopy. A simple conversation today could make a lifesaving difference tomorrow.
To make an appointment with your primary care provider, visit www.riverwoodhealthcare.org or call 218-927-2157.