Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month urges early screening

JACKSON, Tenn. — In today’s health watch, March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms. It’s the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., as well as the deadliest cancer among men under 50.

There is, however, some good news. Unlike most cancers, colorectal cancer is highly preventable with screening.

“45 is the new 50. You probably have ingrained somewhere in the head that 50’s when you start. Shift it over to 45, you should begin testing for colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Cedrick McFadden, board-certified colorectal and general surgeon.

If you have a family history with the cancer, get screened 10 years earlier than the age of your family member’s diagnosis.

It’s critical to continue conversations about early detection and treatment as one-third of eligible adults are not getting screened as recommended.

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