{"id":9335,"date":"2026-02-23T08:48:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T14:48:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ccmhealthmn.com\/?p=9335"},"modified":"2026-02-26T09:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T15:30:00","slug":"2026-national-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ccmhealthmn.com\/2026-national-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Screening Saves Lives"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Screening Saves Lives<\/strong><\/p>\n

March brings an important reminder for adults and families across our region: it\u2019s National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to talk about prevention, early detection, and the life-saving power of routine screenings.<\/p>\n

Colorectal cancer, which is cancer of the colon or rectum, remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States. The encouraging news is that it is also one of the most preventable. With recommended screenings beginning at age 45 for most adults, providers can often find precancerous polyps and remove them before cancer ever develops.<\/p>\n

Because early colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms, many people feel perfectly healthy and assume testing can wait. Medical experts say that delay can be dangerous.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the biggest misconceptions about colorectal cancer is that you\u2019ll know something is wrong,\u201d explains Yuan Stevenson, MD<\/a>, general surgeon at CCM Health. \u201cIn reality, many patients feel completely fine. Screening allows us to detect small changes early, treat them quickly, and in many cases prevent cancer altogether. That\u2019s incredibly powerful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why routine colorectal screening matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

Screening is about more than detection, it is prevention.<\/p>\n

During a colonoscopy, physicians can identify abnormal growths long before they become cancerous. When found early, colorectal cancer is also far more treatable, often requiring less extensive therapy and offering better long-term outcomes.<\/p>\n

National data continues to show that people who stay up to date on recommended screenings significantly reduce their risk of dying from the disease.<\/p>\n

For Eleazar Briones, MD<\/a> another member of CCM Health\u2019s surgical team, those numbers translate directly into neighbors, friends, and family members.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have the ability to change someone\u2019s future with a single screening,\u201d says Dr. Briones. \u201cWhen we find and remove a polyp, we may have just stopped cancer before it started. When we find cancer early, treatment is typically easier and recovery is often better. That\u2019s why we encourage people not to put this off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Close-to-home care makes a difference<\/strong><\/p>\n

For many individuals, barriers like travel, scheduling, or uncertainty about the procedure can lead to postponing care. Having access to colonoscopy services locally at CCM Health helps remove those obstacles and keeps patients near their support systems.<\/p>\n

Both surgeons emphasize that today\u2019s screening process is safe, routine, and performed with patient comfort as a top priority.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople are often nervous because they don\u2019t know what to expect,\u201d Dr. Stevenson says. \u201cOur team walks patients through every step. Most tell us afterward that it was much easier than they imagined \u2014 and they\u2019re grateful they did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When should you get screened?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most adults at average risk should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 and continue regularly until age 75. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer or certain medical conditions may need to start earlier.<\/p>\n

If you are unsure when you should be screened, a conversation with your primary care provider is a great first step.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Take action during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month<\/strong><\/p>\n

This March and beyond, CCM Health encourages everyone to make prevention a priority. Whether you are scheduling your first colonoscopy or getting back on track after postponing one, taking action now could save your life.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best screening is the one that gets done,\u201d Dr. Briones adds. \u201cIf you\u2019re due, we\u2019re here and ready to help you take that step.\u201d<\/p>\n

To learn more or schedule a colorectal cancer screening, contact your primary care provider and ask if a screening is right for you. Call (320) 269-8877<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n

Early detection. Prevention. Peace of mind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Screening Saves Lives March brings an important reminder for adults and families across our region: it\u2019s National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to talk about prevention, early detection, and the life-saving power of routine screenings. 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