We expect that, when we’re sick, we’re going to know. We’ll feel bad, experience pain or otherwise notice that there’s something wrong with us.

That’s one of the main reasons that colorectal cancer has remained the second leading cancer-related cause of death in the United States: Because people can have it and not know it for years.

Time is cancer’s best friend. It gives cancer time to grow, or even spread to other body systems. This makes it much more difficult to treat when it is finally detected.

The good news is, the number of deaths due to colorectal cancer has been in decline for decades, owing to more people receiving screenings at a time when the cancer can best be detected and treated. The bad news is, the number of colorectal cancer deaths remains unnecessarily high because not enough people are receiving the screenings.

Regular screenings for colorectal cancer, beginning at age 45, are essential. Colorectal cancer typically begins with small growths, called polyps, that develop in the colon. These polyps usually cause no symptoms, at least at first. Over time, polyps can develop into cancer.

However, with a colorectal screening such as a colonoscopy, a physician can not only find polyps, but can remove them before they can turn into cancer. He or she can also locate cancers inside the colon while they’re still quite small and treatment can be most effective.

Sometimes, polyps or colorectal cancer can cause symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions that you should be on the lookout for:

• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
• Stomach pain, aches or cramps that don’t go away
• Unexplained weight loss

While these symptoms don’t always mean cancer, they do indicate that further evaluation and screening may be necessary.

It’s easy to arrange for a colonoscopy. You can begin by asking your primary care provider for a referral, or by calling 770-214-CARE and asking for a gastroenterology specialist on staff at Tanner Health System. With Tanner, the screenings can be performed in Carrollton, Villa Rica or Bremen, making it more convenient.

West Georgia Gastroenterology Associates has locations in Carrollton, Villa Rica and Bremen. For more information, visit westgagastro.com or call 770-214-2800.