Littleton, NH – Littleton Regional Healthcare wants to remind community members that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in your colon or rectum. It is the third most common type of cancer in the United States for both men and women and the second leading cause of cancer death overall, but with screening it is highly preventable. Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most common in people age 50 and older.
Regular screening by having a medical test called a colonoscopy, beginning at age 50 for average risk individuals, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy will examine your rectum and lower bowel for abnormalities and disease. If the doctor finds one or more “polyps” during a colonoscopy, he or she can remove them. Removing polyps can prevent these growths from turning into cancer. If you are younger than 50 and think you may be at risk, ask your doctor if you should get screened during your regular physical exam.
Littleton Regional Healthcare is pleased to welcome Dr. Jonathan Lamphier, Gastroenterologist, who is accepting new patients. If you or someone you know is concerned about their risk for colorectal cancer or needs to have an initial screening, please call the LRH Gastroenterology Department at 603.259.7798 to schedule your appointment today.
