This year, over 1,500 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in Connecticut alone. In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, MidState Medical Center is partnering up with Governor M. Jodi Rell on an initiative to educate the communities we serve about colon cancer and the importance of screenings.

With a regular colorectal screening test, more than one-third of the deaths caused by colon cancer may have been prevented. Colon cancer is 95% curable when detected early. That makes colon cancer one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Colorectal cancer frequently develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. A colonoscopy, which is a simple and painless 30 to 60 minute exam, can easily detect these growths so that they can be removed before they become cancerous. If performed regularly, screening tests can also detect colorectal cancer in its earliest stages.

There are seveal different screening tests that can alert you to seek further medical attention. One test can even be done at home to check for hidden blood in the stool. However, keep in mind that a colonscopy is still the gold standard for colon cancer screening and is the most efficient screening method for detection.

If you have a family history of colon cancer or if you’ve had colorectal polyps, an inflammatory bowel disease, or symptoms like blood in your stool, unexplained and frequent stomach pain, cramps, aches, a change in your bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss, you should schedule your colorectal screening test as early as possible. Otherwise, colonosocopy screenings should begin at age 50.

To schedule an appointment for a colonoscopy at MidState’s Digestive Health Center, call 203-694-8585 for more information. Our advanced Center provides state-of-art technolgoy in a warm and comfortable environment.

For a chance to win a $50 gift card to Stop and Shop, visit www.coloncancerquiz.org and take Governor Rell’s colon cancer quiz. Get educated - don’t die of embarrassment.