March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and providers from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health are debunking several common colon cancer myths. Myth 1: I am healthy and have no symptoms, so this is not something I need to be concerned with. “Many early cancers and polyps typically do not produce any symptoms,” said Dr. Shalini Kanneganti, colorectal surgeon. “When symptoms occur, it is usually more advanced disease. It is important to get screened before those symptoms occur.” Early detection is the key, and regular screenings should start at age 45. Myth 2: Many people believe colorectal cancer is fatal, so what’s the reality? Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. In 2024, it caused approximately 53,000 deaths. “Over two-thirds of these could have been prevented by appropriate screening and adequate management,” Dr. Kanneganti said. “There are a lot of advances in treatment. It is important to get screened appropriately.” Myth 3: There is nothing I can do to prevent colon cancer. You can both manage risk factors and get screened to help prevent colon cancer. You can reduce your risk of colon cancer by stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercising. “What you can’t control is your race or your sex,” said Dr. Gautam Mankaney, director, gastroenterology/GI surgeon. “Males, African Americans have a lot more colon cancer than their counterparts.” But getting regular screenings is in your control and can help prevent colon cancer or catch it early. Myth 4: Only older people get colon cancer. “That would have been true 30 years ago, however what’s scary is, it’s now a myth,” Dr. Mankaney said. “We’re seeing a lot more colon cancer in young people.” This includes those in their 20s, 30s and 40s. It’s important to monitor symptoms and talk with your doctor about your risks. Myth 5: Having a polyp means I have cancer and need surgery. Some, though not all polyps, can grow over time to become cancer. Though there’s some exceptions to this rule, this process can take five to eight years, so there is time to get ahead of it. “That’s why we screen because we want to find those polyps and remove them, so they never have a chance of turning into a cancer,” Dr. Mankaney said. Myth 6: “If nobody in my family has colon cancer, I’m in the clear.” The majority of colorectal cancer patients don’t have family history of the disease. Additionally, other risk factors, like obesity, alcohol consumption and smoking can lead to colon cancer. It’s important to assess your risk and talk with your healthcare provider about risk factors. Visit the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health website to find a free colorectal cancer risk calculator. Sponsored by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.