March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about one of the most preventable, and treatable, forms of cancer when detected early. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, yet routine screening can often detect the disease before symptoms appear.
For residents of Great Falls, Montana and surrounding communities, understanding when to begin screening and who may be at higher risk can help protect your health and even save your life.
When Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
According to the American Cancer Society, adults at average risk for colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 45.
Screening can be done through several methods, but colonoscopy remains the gold standard because it allows physicians to both detect and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.
Typical screening guidelines include:
- Age 45: Begin screening if you are at average risk
- Every 10 years: Colonoscopy for patients if results are normal
- Earlier or more frequently: If you have certain risk factors or precancerous polyps are found
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force also recommends colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45.
Who Should Be Screened Earlier?
Some people may need screening before age 45 or more often depending on their personal or family health history.
You may need earlier screening if you have:
- A family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis
- Certain inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome
- Previous colon polyps
- A history of colorectal cancer
Why Colon Cancer Screening Matters
Colorectal cancer often develops slowly over many years. It typically begins as small growths called polyps inside the colon or rectum. These polyps may not cause symptoms but can eventually become cancerous.
The reason colonoscopy is so effective is that it allows physicians to identify and remove polyps before they become cancer.
Early detection dramatically improves outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is highly treatable when found early, with significantly higher survival rates for cancers detected before they spread.
Colon Cancer in Montana
Like many rural states, Montana faces unique healthcare challenges, including access to preventive care and cancer screening services.
Data from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services shows colorectal cancer remains a significant health concern for residents across the state.
Increasing screening rates is one of the most effective ways to reduce colorectal cancer deaths, particularly in rural communities where people may delay preventive care.
Healthcare providers across the region continue to emphasize routine screening, early detection, and patient education to improve outcomes.
Expanding Access to Colon Cancer Screening in Montana
We recently welcomed Dr. Jason Puckett, a board-certified gastroenterologist, to our medical staff. Dr. Puckett specializes in digestive health and colorectal cancer screening, helping expand access to colonoscopy services for patients in Great Falls and surrounding communities.
Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the digestive system, including performing colonoscopies and other important screening procedures.
By expanding our gastroenterology team, we are working to ensure residents of northcentral Montana have greater access to timely colon cancer screening and expert digestive health care close to home.
Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer
While screening is important because colon cancer may develop without symptoms, there are warning signs that should never be ignored.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Blood in your stool
- Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a few weeks)
- Fatigue or weakness
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should be evaluated by a medical professional.
What to Expect During a Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a routine outpatient procedure performed by a trained physician.
During the procedure:
- Patients receive medication to help them relax or sleep.
- A thin, flexible camera is inserted into the colon to examine the lining.
- Any polyps found can be removed immediately.
- Most procedures take about 15-30 minutes.
Patients typically return home the same day and resume normal activities shortly afterward.
Taking the Next Step for Your Health
Colon cancer screening is one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term health. If you are 45 or older or have risk factors for colorectal cancer, talk with your healthcare provider about when screening is right for you.
During Colon Cancer Awareness Month, healthcare providers encourage residents throughout Great Falls and surrounding communities to prioritize preventive care and schedule recommended screenings.
Early detection saves lives, and screening can make all the difference.
Visit the Great Falls Clinic and Hospital for your gastrointestinal and digestive health care, including colon cancer screening and other specialized services. For medical emergencies such as severe abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, or other urgent symptoms, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department. If you are due for a colonoscopy or have concerns about digestive symptoms, our team is here to help. Call us at (406) 454-2171 or visit gfclinic.com/department/gastroenterology/ to learn more.
Sources:
- American Cancer Society. (2024). Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening-guidelines.html
- S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2021). Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Recommendation Statement. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Colorectal Cancer Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/statistics/
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Montana Cancer Data and Prevention Resources. https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/cancer