Don’t Wait: Why Colon Cancer Screening Could Save Your Life

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.—but it doesn’t have to be. When caught early, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer.

That’s why Dr. Alicia Register and Dr. Vince Culpepper, general surgeons at Crisp Regional Hospital, are on a mission to educate the community about the life-saving importance of routine colon cancer screenings.

Why Colon Cancer Screening Matters

Colon cancer often develops with no symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms appear—like changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss—the disease may have already progressed.

Screening helps find polyps before they turn into cancer, and detects cancer early when treatment is most effective.

Who Should Get Screened?

• Everyone aged 45 and older should begin regular screening—even if you feel healthy.
• Those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier.
• If you have symptoms like persistent abdominal discomfort or rectal bleeding, talk to your doctor immediately.

What Are the Screening Options?

Dr. Register and Dr. Culpepper explain that there are multiple safe and effective screening methods:

• Colonoscopy (the gold standard)
• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
• Stool DNA test (like Cologuard)

Colonoscopy is not just diagnostic—it can be preventive, as it allows doctors to remove polyps during the procedure.

The Sooner, The Better

Early detection doesn’t just improve outcomes—it can also reduce the need for more invasive treatments like chemotherapy or major surgery. And for those who dread the process? Modern techniques have made preparation easier and procedures smoother than ever.

Learn everything you need to know—from the screening process to what to expect and why it matters from Crisp Regional’s expert general surgeons.

Click here to watch the full podcast: https://crispregional.org/podcast/