The Importance of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Did you know that colorectal cancers are the third most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States? This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Charleston Oncology joins the national effort to spread awareness about the disease and the importance of regular screenings.

Colon cancer doesn’t discriminate, it affects both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. While it’s most common among individuals over the age of 50, there has been a rise in cases recorded in younger age groups as well. The good news is that when caught early, colorectal cancers are highly responsive to treatment with very good outcomes. To ensure you benefit from colorectal cancer’s excellent rate of success, it is important to understand your history and get screened.

Provider Brian M. Lingerfelt, MD, shared, “You should start getting screened for colorectal cancer around the age of forty-five. If you are at higher risk for developing colorectal cancer, plan to get screened much sooner and more frequently. Knowing your family history of colorectal cancer can help you determine your risk level and when is the appropriate time to schedule your first screening.”

If you had an appointment to get screened and it was postponed due to the onset of the pandemic, now would be a good time to contact your provider to reschedule. Cancer screenings have seen a significant decline as a result of the pandemic, making getting yours a priority today.

In addition to regular screenings, there are several lifestyle factors you can change to lower your risk. “Patients can lower their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. It sounds simple, but it can make a big difference in lowering your risk of developing colon cancer,” explained Dr. Lingerfelt.

For more information about colorectal cancer and screenings, visit our website or call one of our locations to schedule an evaluation.