Digestive Health Blog

Colon Cancer Awareness Month – 2020 March

Colon Cancer Awareness Month – 2020 March

To help further promote colon cancer awareness month in the DFW area, my colleague Dr. Stuart Akerman and I have created an awareness video. In this video, we discuss how to best protect yourself from this cancer.

By watching the video you’ll learn when you should get screened for colon cancer, testing options, and a few recommendations from Plano gastroenterologists. Should you have any questions about colon cancer or your digestive health, please call my office at 972-867-0019 and we would be happy to help.

[arve url=”https://youtu.be/ev6AJ1sL6N4″ /]

2020 Colon Cancer Statistics

Did you know…

  • 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with screening.*
  • 1 in 3 people are not up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening.*
  • Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States.*
  • There will be an estimated 147,950 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2020.*
  • 25% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a family history. Know your cancer risk.*

The good news… The key to beating this disease is to follow the screening guidelines and get tested! To learn more about colon cancers’ symptoms, risk factors and when you should be screened, please visit my colon cancer information webpage.

*Statistics provided by the Fight Colorectal Cancer organization.

Colon Cancer Screening Options

The three categories of testing options include:

  • Stool based testing (e.g. Cologuard)
  • Imaging studies
  • Colonoscopy

It’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the testing options, so they can make an educated decision on which test is best for them. Please discuss when you should be screened for colon cancer with your doctor. Important topics you should go over in this conversation are:

  • Average risk vs. High-risk individuals. What does this mean and how is it relevant to colon cancer testing.
  • Frequency of different screening options
  • Family history
  • Costs

You can learn more about the pros and cons between Colonoscopy and the Cologuard test by reading my in-depth article.

Dr. Eidem’s Colon Cancer Prevention Recommendation

I believe that colonoscopy is the best screening test because colon polyps can be removed before developing into cancers. When polyps are removed, colon cancer can actually be prevented.

My main goal is for everyone to get screened. If you do not feel that colonoscopy is the best option for you, please consult with your physician regarding Cologuard or imaging testing.

Remember that colon cancer is treatable in the early stages of the disease.

2020 DFW Colon Cancer Awareness Events

National Dress Blue Day

  • Date: Friday, March 6, 2020
  • Event Info: click here
  • Great opportunity to increase awareness at the office or with friends & family!

Colorectal Cancer 5k Walk-A-Thon

  • Date: Saturday, March 14, 2020
  • Location: 1675 Republic Pkwy, Mesquite, TX
  • Event Info: click here

Get Your Rear in Gear

  • Date: Saturday, March 21, 2020
  • Location: Trinity Park – 2201 W 7th St., Fort Worth, TX
  • Event Info: click here

Colorectal Cancer Alliance Undy Run/Walk

*The 2019 Dallas event was in November, so I would expect late Fall for 2020 as well.

Matthew Eidem, MD
Matthew Eidem, MD
Gastroenterologist at Matthew Eidem, MD
Matthew Eidem, MD is a gastroenterologist in Plano, TX practicing since 2007. He is a member of the Digestive Health Associates of Texas (DHAT) medical group and serves on the executive committee for DHAT. He has a special focus on colon cancer awareness along with IBS symptoms and treatment options. Dr. Eidem received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2000 and completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2007. Distinguished honors include Best Doctor in Dallas award, Patient's Choice Award, Chief Resident and Intern of the Year at UT Health Science Center. His gastroenterology clinic is located at 3242 Preston Road, Suite 200, Plano, TX 75093.