March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colon and rectal cancer are a leading cause of cancer death for men and women despite being one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Every year, more than 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and approximately 50,000 people die from it. Early screening and detection are the keys to preventing death from colorectal cancer. Men and women should begin regular screening at age 50, or sooner with family history of cancer or other risk factors.

CentraCare Digestive Center is recognized by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy for promoting quality in endoscopy. Our board-certified gastroenterologists specialize in preventing cancer, and complete more than 16,000 procedures a year. No referral is needed. For more information or to schedule a screening test, call the CentraCare Digestive Center at 320-229-4916.

During the month of March, those ages 50 or older also have the option to receive a FREE immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) colon cancer screening kit from the drive-up window at CentraCare Pharmacy at St. Cloud Hospital or from Coborn Cancer Center. Kits are limited. The iFOBT screening does not replace a colonoscopy, which is the best method to detect colorectal cancer. For details regarding the screening kit, call 320-229-4907.