March Is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Why Screening Matters in Cleveland, TN
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that colon and rectal cancer can often be prevented or caught early when treatment is most effective. At Premier Surgical Cleveland, our team is focused on helping patients across Bradley County and surrounding communities understand their risk and take action with the right screening plan.
Understanding colorectal cancer risk
Colorectal cancer (colon cancer and rectal cancer) remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States for both men and women. Each year, tens of thousands of Americans die from this disease. The encouraging news is that early detection saves lives—and many cases can be prevented by finding and removing precancerous polyps before they become cancer.
In other words: screening is not just detection—it’s prevention.
Why early detection and screening are so important
Colorectal cancer often starts as a small growth called a polyp in the lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps may not cause symptoms at all, especially early on. That’s why people can feel “fine” and still have a problem developing silently.
National guidelines now recommend that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. If you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer, a personal history of polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease, you may need to start screening earlier or screen more often.
Signs and symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
Even though colorectal cancer can be symptom-free, it’s still important to recognize warning signs—especially if symptoms last more than a few days or keep returning. Common signs include:
- Ongoing constipation or diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in your stool
- Change in bowel habits
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. A conversation with your physician and an evaluation can bring clarity and peace of mind.
Screening options: what’s available?
There are several screening tools your provider may recommend based on your age, medical history, and risk level:
- Colonoscopy (often considered the gold standard): Allows your physician to see the entire colon and remove polyps during the same procedure.
- FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test): A non-invasive stool test, typically done yearly, that checks for hidden blood.
- Stool DNA test: Looks for hidden blood plus certain DNA changes that can be linked to cancer or polyps.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Examines the lower portion of the colon.
If a stool-based test is abnormal, a colonoscopy is usually recommended next to confirm findings.
Prevention strategies that support colon health
Along with screening, a few lifestyle steps can help lower your risk of colorectal cancer:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limit red and processed meats
- Avoid tobacco
- Drink alcohol in moderation
Compassionate colorectal care close to home
At Premier Surgical Cleveland, you’re not navigating this alone. Our experienced general surgeons—Dr. Eston Wenger, Dr. Jason Dunn, Dr. Worthington, and Dr. John Boxberger—provide expert evaluation and surgical care when needed. If colorectal cancer is found early, treatment can be highly effective, and in many cases polyps and small cancers can be removed during a colonoscopy.
Take action this March
If you’re 45 or older and haven’t been screened, make Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month the moment you prioritize your health. If you’re younger with risk factors or symptoms, it’s worth getting answers.
📞 Call Premier Surgical Cleveland today at (423) 472-5423 or request an appointment online to learn more.