Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Division of Gastroenterology, part of the AHN Medicine Institute, is marking national colorectal cancer awareness month this March by encouraging screening for colon cancer among all average-risk adults starting at age 45. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Task Force lowered the recommended age to begin screening from 50 to 45.
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S., yet it is one of the most preventable types of cancer. With screening, gastroenterologists can identify and safely remove polyps in the colon before they potentially become cancerous and progress to later-stage colorectal cancer.
For average-risk individuals starting at age 45, AHN gastroenterologists recommend a colonoscopy once every 10 years or an at-home, stool-based test known as a ‘FIT’ test on an annual basis. A positive FIT test requires a follow-up colonoscopy. Those who are at an increased risk given a family history of colon cancer are encouraged to talk with their physician about when to start and how frequently to undergo screening.
Regardless of age or risk level, those with new or worrying bowel symptoms should talk to their physician, says Gursimran Kochhar, MD, chief of the AHN Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.
“The challenge is that many people with colorectal cancer do not experience symptoms, which further highlights the importance of screening,” said Dr. Kochhar. “While colorectal cancer is among the most lethal and progressive forms of cancer, it is also highly preventable and highly curable if found early enough. The benefits of early screening, detection and treatment can truly be lifesaving.”
Throughout the month of March, AHN is offering appointments for colonoscopy on Saturdays at the AHN Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion, North Shore Endoscopy Center, McCandless Endoscopy Center, Westmoreland Endoscopy Center, Bethel Park Surgery Center and AHN Grove City Hospital. A few appointment slots remain available. For more information, visit www.ahn.org/ItCantWait.
To schedule a colonoscopy on a weekday during regular hours, call (412) DOCTORS. Colonoscopies are performed at 25 locations across AHN’s footprint. Upon scheduling, patients will receive instructions regarding how to prepare for their screening.
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About Allegheny Health Network
Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org), is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is composed of 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home and community-based health services, a research institute and a group purchasing organization. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health, diabetes and more. AHN employs approximately 21,000 people, has more than 2,600 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
