91ÖÆÅƳ§ÊÓƵ

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to call attention to and have important conversations about the potential warning signs of colorectal cancer. 

Colorectal cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, behind only lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 154,270 people in the United States received a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer in 2025, and approximately 52,900 died of it. 

91ÖÆÅƳ§ÊÓƵ Health offers comprehensive gastrointestinal endoscopy services, including screening colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, diagnosis of bowel disorders, and advanced surgical procedures.

Early-onset colorectal cancer – diagnosed in people under the age of 50 – has increased more than 131% since 1994, according to the National Cancer Institute. 

Current guidelines recommend screening at age 45 for average-risk individuals, though individuals at higher risk due to lifestyle factors and/or family history of colorectal cancer may need to be screened earlier. 

Colon cancer and rectal cancer often show no symptoms, especially in the early stages, making screening all the more important. Symptoms of colon cancer and rectal cancer may include, but are not limited to, persistent abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, and weakness and/or fatigue. 

91ÖÆÅƳ§ÊÓƵ Health Surgery is accepting new patients at 1000 Oakland Drive in Kalamazoo. A referral by a healthcare provider may be required depending on your insurance coverage. 

For more information, call 269.337.6246 or visit wmed.edu/wmedhealth/surgery.