March is observed annually as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition has been using the observance as an opportunity to encourage area residents to get screened.
Erin Hernandez, President and CEO, says that screenings should begin at age 45. She adds that colorectal cancer is more manageable and treatable when it is detected early.
Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer should begin screening ten years prior to their loved ones’ age of diagnosis, adds Hernandez.
The Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition teams up with healthcare agencies and community organizations to offer low cost or no cost screenings to uninsured, under-insured, and under served patients in this area. For more information, visit www.nwgacancer.org.