Im p ortance of Regular Colorectal Cancer Screenings Pittsburgh Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, with more than 56,000 people expected to die from the disease each year.
Colorectal cancer is a preventable and very curable disease if caught early.
Because there are often no symptoms early in the disease process, colorectal cancer can only be detected at an early stage through regular screening. Such individuals should be screened at an earlier and more frequent rate and should see their colorectal surgeon or other healthcare provider for specific recommendations. For people at average risk of getting colorectal cancer, Dr. Medich recommends having a colonoscopy every 10 years, a test that allows physician s to examine the entire lining of the colon and rectum. AGH s Divisions of Colon and Rectal Surgery and Gastroenterology provide advanced diagnostic testing and the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques to manage benign and malignant diseases of the colon and rectum. Allegheny General Hospital is a member of the West Penn Allegheny Health System .