March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a great time to learn more about preventing the disease — the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in America.
Screening for colon cancer is more important than ever because of a troubling trend with the disease, according to Dr. Chris Shaver, a board-certified gastroenterologist and partner at Birmingham Gastroenterology Associates.
“The risk of colon cancer increases with age, but it’s no longer just a disease of older adults,” Dr. Shaver says. “While rates have declined in older adults thanks to screening, we’re seeing a rise in younger patients — even people in their 30s and 40s — particularly those with a family history or other risk factors, which is why understanding individual risk is so important.”
New American Cancer Society data shows that colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in adults under 50. This trend is “incredibly concerning” and “reinforces the importance of earlier screening and awareness,” Dr. Shaver says.
Colon cancer screening is critical because the disease often causes no symptoms in its early stages.
“Patients should not wait for symptoms before getting screened,” he says. “When symptoms do occur, they may include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or anemia.”
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers thanks to screening colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy is “the gold standard” for colon cancer screening, he says. “It allows us to detect cancer early and prevent it by removing precancerous polyps during the same procedure.”
“Our goal is to make colon cancer screening as easy and stress-free as possible,” says Julianna Hallman, Director of Marketing. “We know it’s not something people look forward to, so we focus on helping patients feel comfortable every step of the way.”
Birmingham Gastroenterology Associates has 12 clinics and 11 procedure locations in Central Alabama, making it easy for patients to get screened close to home.
“Taking just one day out of your routine for a colonoscopy can make a lifesaving difference by helping prevent colon cancer,” Hallman says.
At Birmingham Gastroenterology Associates, colonoscopy is one of many services offered as part of a comprehensive approach to digestive health, from preventive screenings and advanced procedures to the treatment of a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions.
“The most important message is that colon cancer is highly preventable,” Dr. Shaver says. “Screening doesn’t just find cancer early, it can stop it before it starts. It’s also important not to ignore symptoms or brush things off if something doesn’t feel right. Getting screened at the right time can truly save lives.”
