March is Col­orec­tal Can­cer Aware­ness Month

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and screening plays a powerful role in protecting your long-term health.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Dr. Safley, general surgeon with Onslow Surgical Clinic, wants the community to understand just how important a screening colonoscopy can be.

A colonoscopy is a medical examination that allows physicians to examine the colon using a small, lighted camera. The goal is to identify and remove small pre-cancerous polyps before they ever have the chance to develop into colon cancer.

The procedure itself is typically straightforward and well-tolerated. Patients receive sedation, and most report little to no discomfort. In many cases, individuals are surprised by how quick and easy the process feels once it’s complete.

Current guidelines recommend adults start routine screening at age 45. Even those who feel perfectly healthy should take this step. Early-stage colon cancer and polyps rarely make their presence known until it’s too late.

If you are 45 years of age or older and have not yet had a colonoscopy, now is the time to take that important step. Contact Onslow Surgical Clinic to schedule an appointment or speak with your primary care provider to obtain a referral.

The decision you make today, to get screened, could be the one that saves your life tomorrow.