March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
3/15/2023
Colonoscopy screening is the key to early detection
Flowood, MS. (March 15, 2023) – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The good news is, if detected before it spreads, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is about 91 percent. If it’s not caught before the cancer spreads to other organs, the survival rate dips to about 14 percent. Regular screening, beginning at age 45 for people with average risk factors, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer..
Everyone can take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer:
- Get screened starting at age 45 – earlier if you have above average risk factors.
- Encourage your family members and friends over age 45 to get screened.
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Get plenty of physical activity and eat healthy.
Depending on your age, a colonoscopy screening may be a covered wellness test under your insurance plan, and most plans cover a colonoscopy completely as a follow-up test or diagnostic tool. Check with your insurance provider and your doctor’s office for help scheduling a screening exam. If you need a doctor, call 844-MSMERIT or schedule online at MyMeritDoctor.com.
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