
Cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer) usually develops slowly, over several years. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.
These numbers really hit home:
Still, there’s hope. Due to advancements in detection and treatment, colorectal cancer death rate has been dropping for more than 20 years. When detected early, it’s treatable. Colonoscopy is the best line of defense in reducing risk.
To schedule a screening colonoscopy, call 701.780.6533 or use MyChart.
In North Dakota, 43 percent of adults ages 50-75 are not up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening. If individuals have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, regular screenings should happen earlier than age 50. For those with no family history, colonoscopies are recommended once a decade after age 50. They are covered by most insurance policies.
"I would tell everybody, if there's any kind of problem, just have it checked. The doctors were really comforting here. Early detection is key. I never in a million years would've thought I'd get colon cancer. That's for old people... well, I guess not anymore."
-Kristina Reuter, age 35, colon cancer survivor
Getting out and enjoying fall is a great way to stay active while the outdoors transition from one season to the next. The colorful foliage and crisp ...
Continue ReadingThe warm days of summer have arrived, and there’s no better time to be out on the golf course, enjoying the sunshine, swinging your clubs and trying ...
Continue ReadingIf you’ve got arthritis, you may already know that cold weather can make joint pain seem worse. Affecting 1 in 4 American adults , arthritis presents ...
Continue ReadingUpdated on: 12/21/2021 The holiday season brings a lot of opportunities and experiences with busy or large crowds, holiday music, bright lights and ...
Continue ReadingUpdated 2.3.2022 Cancer. A heavy topic, but never more so than when discussed in the doctor’s office. In the United States, 23.3 million people have a ...
Continue ReadingPickleball is surging in popularity, and it’s easy to see why it’s becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in America. It’s a fun sport, easy to ...
Continue ReadingDiabetes technology has grown significantly in the last decade, greatly improving diabetes control for those with type 1, type 2 and gestational ...
Continue ReadingNo matter your age or how healthy you are, the benefits of having a primary care provider (PCP) are many. Physicians, physician assistants and nurse ...
Continue ReadingVegetables are a great way to bulk up any meal and provide extra nutrients to your diet. However, they aren’t everyone’s favorite thing to eat and can ...
Continue ReadingThe holiday season is a time of social gatherings, most of which include eating. Managing diabetes is challenging even without the holiday stress. The ...
Continue Reading