TriStar Greenview doctor talks about colorectal cancer screenings

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and doctors say it’s important to get screened early.

Doctors at TriStar Greenview tell us colon cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US, and the second leading cause of cancer death.

Dr. Michael West, a surgeon at Greenview, says the rate he’s seen there is a lot higher than at other hospitals he’s been at.

However, he says it’s more treatable if it’s detected early. That’s why he advises getting screened at the age of 45 instead of the previous age of 50, since it’s appearing more commonly in younger people.

“Nationally, there’s a higher incidence, meaning younger people are getting colorectal cancer more frequently than we previously had. The earlier you find the cancer, the better your outcome is,” Dr. West says.

Doctors say you can reduce your risk of getting colorectal cancer by eating a well balanced diet, avoiding alcohol & tobacco, knowing your family’s health history and getting regular exercise.