Midland Health is urging adults who are or about to turn 45 years old to undergo their first colonoscopy as a part of its observation of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month throughout March.
The recommendation reflects updated guidelines for colorectal cancer screening. Midland Health said that colon cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent in younger adults, which has led to the lowering of the recommended screening age from 50 to 45. “Colon cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent in younger adults, which is why the recommended screening age has been lowered to 45,” Midland Health said in a Facebook post.
The healthcare entity also addressed common misconceptions about when individuals should begin screenings. It dispelled the notion that age 50 is still the standard starting point for colonoscopies, emphasizing that earlier detection can be crucial for effective treatment and outcomes according to Midland Health.
Midland Health added that regardless of age, anyone who notices changes in their bowel habits or has a family history of colon cancer should consult with their primary care physician about scheduling a colonoscopy. “Regardless of age, an individual who notices any changes in their bowel habits or has a family history of colon cancer should talk to their primary care physician about scheduling a colonoscopy,” Midland Health said in its Facebook post according to Midland Health.
Appointments for screenings can be made by contacting Midland Health Gastroenterology at 2012 W. Ohio Ave., phone number 432-221-4790. The facility operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday according to Midland Health Gastroenterology.