With March being Colon Cancer Awareness month, my practice uses each March as an opportunity to help promote this cancer’s awareness message in the Bedford and surrounding communities. You’ll find a list of events in the DFW area happening in March along with a link to details for each at the bottom of this article.

This year I wanted to share a few important statistics everyone should be aware of relative to colon cancer along with an overview of 2 ways to get screened for this cancer. Increasing the colon cancer screening participation rates is our best chance to reduce the number of deaths related to this treatable disease.

Please don’t let yourself become a statistic with something as preventable as colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Key Statistics

The key to beating Colon Cancer is early detection. If the cancer is diagnosed at a localized stage, the survival rate is 90%. Please get screened!

  • 1 in 3 people are not UP-TO-DATE with screening for colorectal cancer
  • There will be an estimated 147,950 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2020
  • 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with screening

Colonoscopy vs Cologuard

Two of the most popular colon cancer screening options are Colonoscopy and a take-home test called Cologuard. Here is a brief overview of each screening exam along with a description of whom each exam is designed for.

For a more in-depth analysis regarding the pros & cons of these colon cancer screening options, please read my article Colonoscopy vs Cologuard.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is considered the “gold standard” exam for colon cancer screening. Due to its thorough and comprehensive nature, colonoscopy is the only screening exam that allows your doctor to both detect even the slightest abnormality inside of your colon and remove any polyps found during the same exam.

Colonoscopy is designed for people such as:

  • Those 45 years or older
  • Those wanting a complete visualization of their colon and removal of any existing polyps during the same exam
  • A family or personal history of colon cancer and/or polyps
  • Symptomatic patients

To learn more about the reasons to consider getting a colonoscopy and a few prep tips, please visit our colonoscopy webpage.

Cologuard

Cologuard is an at-home, do it yourself stool collection exam. It allows you to mail in your specimen to a laboratory from the privacy of your own home. Cologuard examines your stool for altered DNA that may be precancerous or cancerous. This altered DNA comes from cells that have been shed into your stool, as DNA is continuously shed from your intestinal lining’s cells. In addition, Cologuard can also detect blood in your stool.

Once you send in your stool sample to a laboratory, your doctor gets the results in just two weeks. If abnormalities are found, your healthcare provider will devise a plan of action.

Cologuard is designed for people such as:

  • Those 45 years or older
  • Average risk of colon cancer
  • No family history or personal history of colon cancer
  • No personal or family history of polyps

NOTE: If your Cologuard test is positive, you will then need to have a colonoscopy to confirm the test result and remove any polyps should they exist.

Dr. Lyles Colon Cancer Screening Recommendation

I fully support all efforts to bring awareness to and screen for colon cancer. With millions of Americans over 50 years of age NOT being tested each year, it is a focus of my gastroenterology practice to do what we can to help these adults in the Bedford and the surrounding Fort Worth areas not to become a statistic since this is a preventable cancer.

That being said, I do recommend colonoscopy over Cologuard and other tests due to the accuracy and unique ability that allows your doctor to fully view the colon and biopsy/remove any polyps. My primary goal is to increase the number of adults getting screened. If you do not feel that colonoscopy is your best option, please consult with your doctor regarding other testing options like Cologuard.

Colon Cancer Awareness Events – DFW 2020

Whether you have a personal connection to colon cancer or want to help raise awareness, the DFW area has some great events in which you can participate. I’ve provided basic information for each event below along with links to their respective websites.

National Dress Blue Day

  • Date: Friday, March 6, 2020
  • Event Info: click here
  • Great opportunity to increase awareness at the office or with friends & family!

Colorectal Cancer 5k Walk-A-Thon

  • Date: Saturday, March 14, 2020
  • Location: 1675 Republic Pkwy, Mesquite, TX
  • Event Info: click here

Get Your Rear in Gear

  • Date: Saturday, March 21, 2020
  • Location: Trinity Park – 2201 W 7th St., Fort Worth, TX
  • Event Info: click here

Colorectal Cancer Alliance Undy Run/Walk

*The 2019 Dallas event was in November, so I would expect late Fall for 2020 as well.