With March being colon cancer awareness month, I wanted to help promote the message that this is a highly treatable cancer and often curable when detected at a localized stage in the bowel. Here are a few other key points to keep in mind regarding Colon Cancer and screening options:

• The American Cancer Society recommends beginning screening at 45 years old for average-risk individuals and high-risk individuals being screened earlier and more frequently.
• A screening colonoscopy is the best way for prevention and early detection of colon cancer. You can learn more about why this exam is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening by visiting our colonoscopy webpage.
• We offer an Open Access Colonoscopy scheduling option for screening colonoscopy procedures that does not require an office visit before the colonoscopy. This saves the patient time and the cost of an office visit. To learn more, visit our open-access colonoscopy webpage.

45 is the new 50 for getting your colonoscopy to be screened for colorectal cancer.

2024 Colon Cancer Awareness Month Events

Whether you have a personal connection to colon cancer or want to help raise awareness… DFW has a great 3-mile walk event that your family can participate in. I’ve provided basic information on each event below, along with a link to the event website. Also, I will update event information and add new events to this page as they are announced.

National Dress Blue Day

  • Date: Friday, March 1, 2024
  • Event Info: click here
  • Great opportunity to increase awareness at the office or with friends & family!

Project Cure CRC RFP Webinar

  • Date: March 5, 2024
  • Location: Virtual
  • Event Info: click here

Walk to End Colon Cancer

  • Date: November 9, 2024
  • Location: Levitt Pavilion – 100 W. Abram St, Arlington, TX 76010
  • Event Info: click here

*All 2024 events have not been published. Check back using the link above for this run/walk event in multiple Texas cities.

Matthew Eidem, MD
Matthew Eidem, MD
Matthew Eidem, MD, is a gastroenterologist in Plano, TX, who has been practicing since 2007. His clinical focus includes colon cancer prevention and screening, colonoscopy, and the diagnosis and treatment of digestive health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 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.

Dr. Eidem emphasizes the importance of colon cancer prevention, early detection, and appropriate screening. He encourages adults to understand their individual risk factors and begin routine colon cancer screening at the recommended age. Through his clinical work and patient education, he works to increase awareness of the role screening colonoscopy can play in finding and removing precancerous polyps before they develop into colorectal cancer.

In addition to colon cancer screening, Dr. Eidem diagnoses and treats a broad range of gastrointestinal conditions, including IBS, acid reflux, and other digestive health concerns. He regularly provides educational information to help people better understand digestive health, symptoms, screening recommendations, and available treatment options.

Dr. Eidem has received professional recognition, including Best Doctor in Dallas and a Patients' Choice Award. During his medical training, he also received recognition as Chief Resident and Intern of the Year. His gastroenterology practice is located at 3242 Preston Road, Suite 200, Plano, TX 75093.