03/24/2026
March is Colore**al Cancer Awareness Month.
At TCMC, we are excited to have Dr. Peterson and Dr. Brandt helping patients right here in Towner County get screened. Dr. Brandt recently shared a newsletter explaining why screening matters so much.
Why Colore**al Cancer Screening Matters
By Dr. Jerel Brandt | March 13, 2026
Colore**al cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when found early. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, about 4.4% of men (1 in 23) and 4.1% of women (1 in 25) will be diagnosed with colore**al cancer during their lifetime. In 2025 alone, more than 154,000 Americans were expected to be diagnosed, and over 52,900 people could die from the disease. Screening could prevent or help detect early more than half of these deaths.
One of the most important things patients should know is how much outcomes improve with early detection. When colore**al cancer is found at an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate is about 91%. Screening can identify and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancer, or detect cancer when it is still highly treatable.
An important message is simple but critical: never ignore new or concerning bowel symptoms. Everyone, regardless of age, should talk with their doctor if they notice blood in the stool, changes in stool shape or size, persistent changes in bowel habits, or re**al pain. These symptoms can feel embarrassing to discuss, but a short conversation with a doctor can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
Lifestyle choices also play a major role in colore**al cancer risk. Research shows that more than half (54%) of colore**al cancers in the United States are linked to modifiable risk factors such as excess body weight, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, diets high in red or processed meat, and diets low in fiber, calcium, and whole grains. Healthy lifestyle choices and regular screening together can significantly reduce risk.
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged. According to the Colore**al Cancer Alliance, colore**al cancer is the only major cancer that is increasing in people under age 50. Unfortunately, 75% of younger patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment is more difficult and survival rates are lower. For those with metastatic disease, the five-year survival rate drops to about 13%. Because of this, colore**al cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50 and the second deadliest cancer overall.
The message is clear: screening saves lives. Regular screening beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults, and earlier for those with certain risk factors, can detect problems before symptoms even begin.
If you are due for screening or have noticed new or concerning bowel symptoms, speak with your doctor. Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent and successfully treat colore**al cancer.
Call 701-968-4411 to get scheduled today!
For more information click here!
Your source for meaningful insight into surgical care, our articles, educational videos, and podcasts bring clarity and perspective to the patient journey.
