5520 Leonardo Da Vinci Dr. Suite 100, Edinburg, Tx 78539
To schedule an appointment, call (956) 362-3636
To learn more about gastroenterology and advanced endoscopy services at DHR Health, visit https://dhrhealth.com/services/gastroenterology-advanced-endoscopy/
Don’t Wait: The Importance of Colorectal Cancer Screening
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about one of the most preventable cancers. As the Program Director of the Gastroenterology fellowship at DHR Health, I encourage our community to focus on screening and healthy habits. In 2026, an estimated 158,850 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, with about 55,230 deaths expected. While the incidence of colorectal cancer has declined in adults 65 and older due to screening, the rate is rising in younger people. There’s a 3% annual increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence among adults aged 20–49, making it the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50.
A common misconception is that screening is unnecessary without symptoms or family history. In reality, early colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps often cause no symptoms at all, and about 80% of cases occur in people with no known family history or major risk factors. That’s why guidelines recommend routine screening starting at age 45 for average-risk adults. The screening options include colonoscopy or stool-based tests like FIT (annually). Early detection of colon cancer boosts the 5-year survival rate above 90% when the disease is localized. If you have symptoms like blood in stool, bowel changes, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or develop iron deficiency anemia, see a doctor right away.
Prevention works: Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes weekly), eat fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed/red meats and alcohol, and avoid smoking. This month discuss screening with your provider if you’re 45 or older, or earlier if higher risk. Early detection saves lives; contact your healthcare provider today.
