Bayhealth campaign encourages colorectal screenings

In observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, Bayhealth revived its campaign to encourage everyone age 45 and older to schedule an appointment for a colonoscopy – and to make colorectal cancer history. 

“The rates of colon and rectal cancer continue to climb among younger adults in particular; that’s why it’s so important to get screened as soon as possible after you turn 45, or earlier if you’re at higher risk,” said Assar Rather, MD, FACS, FASCRS, a Bayhealth colorectal surgeon. “It’s important to understand we aren’t screening for colorectal cancer; we’re screening to prevent it. We’re looking for small polyps or growths that could eventually become cancerous.”

Bayhealth’s team of experts offers personalized care for prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. Bayhealth Cancer Center Kent Campus is among fewer than 50 programs in the nation – and the first in Delaware – that has earned recognition from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer for providing the most advanced specialty care available.

There are options for testing and colonoscopy prep, and this preventative procedure could save many lives. Colonoscopies are done by a gastroenterologist, general surgeon or colorectal surgeon and can be scheduled through Bayhealth. For help scheduling a screening, call 302-744-6098. Bayhealth’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Nurse Navigator Judy Giddens, LPN, will provide personalized guidance and assistance in taking the next steps to set up a screening.

For more information, go to Bayhealth.org/Get-Screened.