A representative from the Dallas County Health Department pinpoints screening recommendations during Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

Community Health Educator Natalie Peters tells Raccoon Valley Radio that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the world for both men and women. She mentions that screening is important because the test can catch cancer in its earliest stages. Peters details the guidelines for getting screened.

“The guidelines are that people with an average risk should start routine screenings at age 45. And so, you should consult with your primary care physician about if you are average risk or maybe increased risk, and then there will be several test options available depending on your situation, so those might include colonoscopies or stool sample tests.”

Peters explains that people younger than 45 should be mindful of colon cancer signs as a precautionary measure. According to Peters, research shows that there’s been a drop in older adults being diagnosed with colon cancer but an alarming increase in younger adults.