Colorectal Cancer

Every year the month of March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It’s your annual reminder that screenings can be life-saving. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the Unites States, and the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. During the pandemic, many put off their annual screenings, and now is a great time to get back on track.

Nearly all colorectal cancers start with a polyp, which is small area of unchecked growths on the inner lining of the colon. Polyps and colon cancers rarely create symptoms such as pain or bleeding. Early detection and treatment, even before symptoms appear, results in improved survival rates, according to doctors at Abrazo West Campus.

“The colon is the lowest part of the intestine, also called the large intestine. Its inside lining where growths called polyps can appear, and some polyps can grow into colon cancer. Through colonoscopy, doctors can inspect the inside lining of the colon and remove polyps which helps prevent cancers from forming,” explained Dr. Sushil Pandey, a colorectal Surgeon at Abrazo West.

It’s important to find cancers early or find them as polyps and have them removed, he said. The incidence of colon cancer is increasing among younger people, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that screenings begin at age 45.

“The risk of developing colon polyps and cancer increases as one ages. The majority of colon cancer is found in patients without any symptoms or a family history of colon cancer. We all need a colonoscopy starting at 45 years old unless you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer or polyps, where one should consider being tested earlier than age 45,” said Dr. Carlos A. Esparza, a colorectal surgeon on medical staff at Abrazo West Campus.

If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you and how often to get tested.

Submitted by Abrazo Health

Community Carnival

Sunday, March 5 | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Redmond Field

Preregistration & wristbands required. Open to Verrado residents only.

Concert On Main Street

Saturday, March 4 | 5 – 9:45 p.m.

Village Green

Headliner: Jerrod Niemann

Supporting act: Reid Haughton

Concert schedule:

· 5 – 9:30 p.m. | Beer, seltzer & mixed drinks available for purchase from West Valley Mavericks

Community Garage Sale

Saturday, March 4 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Bbq Rib Competition

· 6 – 6:30 p.m. | Western-themed contests

· 7:30 – 8:10 p.m. | Reid Haughton

· 8:30 – 9:45 p.m. | Jerrod Niemann

Sponsored by Tara McKenna of KW Realty Elite

Sunday, March 5 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Founders Park | Register by Feb. 26

Proud of your exceptional barbecue skills? Have the best secret sauce? Then compete in Verrado’s Founder’s Day BBQ Rib Competition.