Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on a cancer that affects thousands of people each year and is often preventable with early detection and screening.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women. The good news? When it’s found early, treatment is highly effective and nearly all early-stage cases can be cured. That’s why awareness and regular screening are so important.

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum and often starts as a small growth called a polyp. Most polyps are not cancerous, but some can slowly develop into cancer over several years. Because symptoms may not appear right away, many people don’t realize anything is wrong. Screening tests can find and remove polyps before cancer develops or detect the disease at its earliest, most treatable stage.

If you’re 45 or older, or have a family history of colorectal cancer, screening is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health. Several screening options are available, including colonoscopy, which can detect cancer early and even prevent it by removing precancerous polyps. The procedure is safe, effective and plays an important role in lowering the risk of advanced disease.

Andrew B. Morgan, MD, fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon at AtlantiCare, helps patients ranging from baseline to complex colorectal conditions through expert care and guidance. He manages a wide range of issues, including colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor disorders, screening colonoscopy and other anorectal conditions. Dr. Morgan uses CT and MRI scans, anatomical models and surgical diagrams to help patients understand their options.

"Colorectal care is about a compassionate approach to every patient journey — offering the right treatment while making sure patients feel heard and supported," he says.

This March, take a moment to focus on your health. Early detection can make all the difference. Talk with your doctor and schedule your screening today. Visit AtlantiCare’s Colorectal Cancer Services for more information.