MCHHS Encourages Community to be Colon Cancer Aware
By Dr. Mark Banker, General Surgeon
Spring is here, and March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month—a critical time to spotlight one of the most common yet preventable cancers affecting millions of people worldwide.
At Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems, we are committed to providing patients with the best tools and information to stay healthy. Our responsibility is not only to educate but also to encourage you to take action and screen for this preventable disease. The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults 45 and older—or individuals younger than 45 with certain risk factors or a family history—get regular colorectal cancer screenings.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
As of 2025, colorectal cancer, or CRC, is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the United States. CRC refers to cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. It often starts as small, benign growths known as polyps, which can develop into cancer over time. This is why screening methods that detect precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer are so critical. When CRC is detected early, there is a 90% five-year survival rate.
●CRC affects all races, genders and ethnicities
●About 75% of people diagnosed with CRC have no family history of colorectal cancer
●CRC is most common for ages 50 and older, yet it is on the rise in adults under 50
Learn About Your Screening Options
Screening is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer, as it helps find precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.
●Age 45 to 75 adults should talk with their healthcare providers about family history and risks and make a plan for screening
●Discuss your 1-step or 2-step screening options with your provider
*1-Step screening-Colonscopy is a one step screening process that looks for growths called polyps in your colon; this is a same day procedure under sedation with return to normal activity in 24 hours (recommended every 10 years depending on results)
*2-Step screening- FIT stool based home screening detects hidden blood in the stool and if positive requires a follow-up screening of a colonoscopy (recommended yearly and further screening required if positive)
While everyone should consider preventative screening, if you have noticed colorectal symptoms or changes, if you are over 45, have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or have genetic and/or lifestyle risk factors for colorectal cancer, contact our Mitchell County Hospital surgery team at 785-738-9323 to schedule a screening today with Dr. Banker or Dr. Owens.