If you’re age 45 or older, you’re due to begin receiving regular screenings for colorectal cancer. And if you’re like too many Americans, you’re putting it off.

Let me try to persuade you otherwise:

• This year, almost 135,500 new cases of colorectal cancer will be found in the United States, including 95,520 new cases of colon cancer and 39,910 new cases of rectal cancer. (Source: American Cancer Society)
• As many as 50,000 Americans die of colorectal cancer each year. (Source: Fight Colorectal Cancer)
• Colorectal cancer occurs only slightly more often in men than women, but affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. (Source: CDC)
• One-in-three Americans are not up-to-date with their colorectal screenings — a total of about 23 million people. (Source: Fight Colorectal Cancer)
• Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, a change in bowel habits, constipation or feeling that the bowel is not completely empty, and more — though the polyps that can lead to colorectal cancer can be found in the colon before any symptoms present themselves at all.
• Almost 30 percent of Americans age 50 or older have not yet had a colorectal screening. (Source: CDC)
• Medicare and most private health insurance plans offer coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. (Source: American Cancer Society)

Don’t keep putting off this essential screening. Early detection and removal of polyps in the colon alone can help prevent colorectal cancer. You can arrange for a colorectal cancer screening 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, screenings can be performed in Carrollton, Villa Rica or Bremen.

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