March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of screening and early detection. Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the United States, but it’s also one of the most preventable.
Still, misconceptions about the disease often keep people from getting screened.
Matthew Ng, MD, a colorectal surgeon at the GW Cancer Center, says misinformation often keeps people from taking this important step. “Many people think they only need screening if they have symptoms or a family history,” says Ng. “But colorectal cancer can develop quietly for years. Screening allows us to find and remove precancerous polyps before they ever become cancer.”
Myth: You Only Need Screening if You Have Symptoms
One of the most dangerous myths about colorectal cancer is that you should wait until something feels wrong. In reality, early-stage colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms at all.
Screening tests — especially colonoscopy — can detect small growths called polyps that may eventually become cancer. Removing these polyps during the procedure can prevent cancer from developing in the first place. “Colonoscopy is unique because it’s not just detecting cancer early, it can actually stop cancer before it starts,” Ng explains.
Myth: Only People With a Family History Are at Risk
Family history does increase risk, but most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer do not have a known family history of the disease.
Other factors, such as diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and certain health conditions, can also play a role. That’s why routine screening is recommended even for people who feel healthy and have no known risk factors.
Myth: Colonoscopies are Painful or Dangerous
Fear of the procedure itself keeps many people from getting screened. But colonoscopies are typically quick, safe, and performed with sedation, so patients remain comfortable. “Patients often tell me afterward that the procedure was much easier than they expected,” Ng says. “Yes, the preparation is unpleasant, and that can be a barrier for some people. And while this is not meant to instill fear, cancer treatment is far more invasive and unpleasant. It’s much easier to prevent cancer than to treat it.”
When Should You Start Screening?
National guidelines recommend that adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. People with certain risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, may need to start earlier.
Regular screening is one of the most powerful tools doctors have to prevent colorectal cancer and detect it early.
Expanding Screening Access in Southeast DC
To help make screening more accessible, the GW Cancer Center is partnering with Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center (CHRMC) to offer colorectal cancer screening for the community. Adults age 45 and older, individuals scheduling their first colonoscopy, and those with a family history of colon cancer may be eligible for the program. A referral is not required.
Initial pre-screening dates are scheduled for March 9, March 16, and March 23. Patients can schedule an appointment at CHRMC by calling 771-444-6146.
Importantly, the program will continue beyond March, with additional screening opportunities expected in the months ahead. More information about future scheduling will be shared as it becomes available.
Take the Next Step
Colorectal cancer often develops slowly over time, which means screening offers a powerful opportunity to catch or prevent the disease early. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good reminder that one simple step — a screening colonoscopy — can protect your health for years to come.
If you are 45 or older and have never had a colonoscopy, now may be the right time to schedule your pre-screening appointment.
The Bottom Line
Colorectal cancer often develops slowly, over many years. That means there is an important window of opportunity when screening can catch — and even prevent — the disease. Understanding the facts and getting screened when recommended could save your life. “Screening saves lives, and our goal is to make it as accessible as possible,” says Ng. “By expanding services in the community, we’re helping more people take that important first step."
