March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and employees raised awareness at Murray-Calloway County Hospital by wearing blue on GO BLUE day.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the U.S. While screenings for colorectal cancer are an important step in saving lives, only 59% of adults aged 45 years and older are up to date with screenings. Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people age 45 and older.

According to Colorectal Cancer Statistics 2023, a new report by the American Cancer Society, an estimated 153,020 people will be diagnosed with colorectal in the U.S. in 2023. The report also found that the proportion of those diagnosed with advanced-stage colorectal cancer increased from 52% in the mid-2000s to 60% in 2019. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to encourage people to get screened.

For more information about colorectal screenings, call MCCH at 270.762.1381 or call West Kentucky Gastroenterology to find out how you can schedule your appointment at 270.759.4000.