Every year the month of March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – an annual reminder that screenings that can detect polyps or early cancers in the colon can be lifesaving.

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the Unites States, and the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. The strongest risk factor is a family history of the disease, but more than half of all diagnoses are attributable to lifestyle factors such as an unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, high alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Nearly all colorectal cancers start with a polyp, which is small area of unchecked growths on the inner lining of the colon. Polyps and colon cancers rarely create symptoms such as pain or bleeding. Early detection and treatment, even before symptoms appear, results in improved survival rates, according to doctors at Abrazo West Campus, 13677 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear.

“The colon is the lowest part of the intestine, also called the large intestine. Its inside lining where growths called polyps can appear, and some polyps can grow into colon cancer,” Dr. Sushil Pandey, a colorectal surgeon on the medical staff at Abrazo West Campus, shared in a press release. “Through colonoscopy, doctors can inspect the inside lining of the colon and remove polyps which helps prevent cancers from forming.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that screenings begin at age 45.

If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you and how often to get tested.

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