March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Yet most colon cancers and deaths from the disease may be prevented by screening for colon polyps.
Early detection is key to survival. Talk to your doctor about when you should start screening
Conventional colonoscopy and computed tomography (CT) colonography (virtual colonoscopy) are two of the primary colon cancer screening methods currently available. CT colonography is less invasive than colonoscopy. The exam uses a CT scanner, takes just a few minutes and does not require intravenous sedation. Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening and which screening test is best for you.
Remember—doctors can help prevent colon cancer by removing small, benign polyps before they become malignant. Colon cancer is highly treatable if detected early so schedule your screening today.
For more information on colon cancer and screening tests, please see the following pages:
This page was reviewed on February 15, 2024