LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Health experts are urging people to get screened for colorectal cancer, noting that early detection can save lives.
According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Each year, about 150,000 Americans — both men and women — are diagnosed with the disease, and more than 50,000 people are expected to die from it this year.
Medical professionals say the disease is highly treatable when detected early and can often be prevented through routine screenings.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and doctors are encouraging people to schedule screenings even if they have no symptoms or family history of the disease.
“Over the last few years, the American Cancer Society has changed the recommendations from 50 to 45 because we are seeing younger people developing colon cancer,” said Dr. Shannon Wesley with LMHS Surgical Specialists. “The other thing that's important is to consider your family history. So when your youngest, first degree relative developed cancer, we are going 10 years prior to that, and if you're having any symptoms that we need to talk about.”
Doctors say there are several screening options available to detect colorectal cancer, including colonoscopies and at-home tests. Wesley says the most important screening is simply the one that gets done.
Health officials hope raising awareness will encourage more people to get screened and catch the disease before it becomes life-threatening.
