Published on March 28, 2025

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Reminders

Kwadwo Agyei-Gyamfi, MD

by Kwadwo Agyei-Gyamfi, MD

While the end of March brings the end of Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, the fight is not over. Hopefully, these educational articles have helped save a life. You can also help reduce colorectal cancer in our community by spreading awareness!

Points to keep in mind:

  • Colorectal cancer is a killer.
  • Colorectal cancer is preventable.
  • Screening age for average risk starts at age 45.
  • Know your RISK and know your family history to help determine your risk.
  • High-risk people will need to get screened earlier than age 45.
  • Colonoscopy is the preferred test for high-risk people.
  • Some screening is better than no screening. So, get screened!

Colorectal cancer can produce symptoms. (Early cancers have no symptoms.) Remember:

  • If you are having rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits and defecation, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. The test of choice is colonoscopy and should not be stool tests.
  • Early colorectal cancer in those below age 45 will present with symptoms.
  • All positive stool tests, virtual CT and barium tests should be followed up with colonoscopy as soon as possible.

What do you do if you have a history of colorectal polyp or cancer?

  • It is very important to schedule a follow-up colonoscopy.
  • Colorectal polyps or cancer can grow in other parts after so many months or years.
  • Your endoscopist will advise you when the follow-up procedure will be scheduled.
  • Stool tests or other screening tests are not advised after you have polyps or cancer diagnosed.

Your healthcare provider’s goal is to get as many appropriate patients screened and follow the screening schedule the patient and the provider have chosen.  Our providers should help their patients to make that push.

Funding is needed to create awareness throughout the year and years to come. We have disparities with access to healthcare in our community. I believe Medicaid expansion has helped more patients to have access to colorectal cancer screening tests. Uninsured patients are at risk. More avenues will need to be explored to get more patients screened.

Remember, colorectal cancer is preventable and can be detected early enough to save your life. Don’t wait to develop colorectal cancer.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Kwadwo Agyei-Gyamfi is affiliated in private practice with Acme Medical Specialties in Lumberton and is a member of the UNC Health Southeastern Medical Staff.