Prevention. Detection. Action. Here's what you need to know.

At Gather Health, we believe that the best care is the kind that keeps you out of the   hospital in the first place. That's why we want to talk about something that doesn't always   come up at the dinner table — but absolutely should come up at your next appointment:   colorectal cancer screening.

Here's the good news right up front: colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable   and treatable cancers there is. When caught early, the five-year survival rate for colon   cancer is 91%. That number is worth sitting with for a moment. Early detection doesn't just   help — it can save your life.

Know the Signs

Many people with early colorectal cancer have no symptoms at all, which is exactly why   screening matters so much. But your body does sometimes send signals worth paying   attention to. If you notice any of the following, don't wait — give us a call:

• Prsistent abdominal pain or cramping
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding  
• A noticeable change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few days
• Unexplained weight loss
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These symptoms don't always mean cancer, but they always mean it's time to talk to your   doctor.

Who Should Be Screened?

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk begin regular   colorectal cancer screening at age 45, and continue through age 75 if they're in good   health. For our 65+ community, that means screening should already be a part of your   regular care routine — and if it hasn't been, there's no better time to start than now.

Your Screening Options — and What We Recommend

‍There's no one-size-fits-all approach to screening, and we think that's a good thing. You   have choices, and we'll help you find the one that works best for your life.

Visual exams, like colonoscopy, are the preferred starting point. — they allow your   doctor to see inside the colon directly and remove any polyps before they ever have the   chance to become cancer. A colonoscopy is typically done every 10 years for people at   average risk, and it remains the gold standard.

Stool-based tests are a great option for many people because they can be done at home,   on your own time. These include the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and the stool DNA   test — commonly known as Cologuard. Cologuard is non-invasive, accurate, and you do it   in the comfort of your own home. We can walk you through the whole process.

We'll meet you wherever you are. Whether Colonoscopy feels like the right fit, or you'd   rather talk through a Cologuard order, your Gather Health team is here to guide you every   step of the way.

Come In and Let's Talk

If you haven't been screened yet, or if it's been a while, your next appointment is the   perfect time to bring it up. No rushing, no waiting, no feeling like just another number.

Colorectal cancer is preventable. It's treatable. And with the right care and the right team   beside you, it's absolutely beatable.

We're here. Let's get you taken care of.

Ready to schedule your screening? Call us today or ask about what screening is right for   you at your next visit.