Colon Cancer Awareness Month Means Colonoscopy Screening Time

[DENVER, COLORADO, Feb. 25, 2025] —It’s that time of year when colon cancer survivors proudly display a blue ribbon attached to their lapel for Colon Cancer Awareness in March. As part of National Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month, Gastroenterology of the Rockies encourages men and women 45 years of age and up to get their colonoscopy screening. Because early detection saves lives.

Early Detection Matters—with Average Risk and High-Risk Factors

Colon cancer, when detected early, is highly treatable—unlike more aggressive cancers like lung and pancreatic. That’s why it’s important to follow the new screenings guidelines set by the American College of Gastroenterology. However, for people of average risk, start screening at age 45.

Not quite 45 years of age yet? Here’s something to think about. If you have a family history of colon cancer or previously diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, you may be in a higher risk category for colon cancer, says Simranjit (Sim) Bedi, DO, gastroenterologist and chief medical officer with Gastroenterology of the Rockies.

With high-risk patients, he says it is possible to get ahead of the curve with cancer prevention measures like choosing a colonoscopy screening prior to your 45^th birthday. This is in part because we are seeing a rise in early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) in young adults, he added.  Early detection can help people prevent cancer in early stages.

Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Research

The Early Onset Colorectal Cancer trend is well documented in population data. The American Cancer Society recently reported the uptick in EOCRC in the United States, based on research reported in the Lancet, January 2025. The research includes data that tracked worldwide incidence of EOCRC.

Research from a 2023 ACS report indicate that CRC cases increased from 11 percent to 20 percent in people under 55 years of age. In addition, CRC cancer diagnoses also showed an 8 percent rise in advanced stage cancer in 2019, compared to cases in mid-2000s.

Don’t Be Shy-Talk to Your Loved Ones

At GI of the Rockies, we encourage patients diagnosed with colon cancer and colon polyps to talk about colon cancer with their family members.

“Families who openly discuss the importance of cancer screenings and early detection can help loved ones prevent cancer, preserve quality of life and possibly save lives,” Dr. Bedi said.

“Even though it might be hard to bring up a conversation about cancer, it might be one of the most important conversations you have with your sister, nephew—or adult children. Everyone needs a good role model.”

United in Colon Cancer Awareness

To raise awareness around colon cancer prevention, here’s what we’ve planned for March.

• Gastroenterologist Kelly Zucker, DO will give a free webinar to discuss Colorectal Cancer, prevention and treatments, March 6 – with our partners at Boulder Community Health
• Staff and physicians at GI of the Rockies will wear blue shirts on March 7 – to acknowledge “Dress in Blue Day” 

In addition, it brings us great excitement to share news about the opening of our new Downtown Denver Endoscopy Center. Our grand opening is scheduled during CRC awareness month, in March. Stay tuned for more details.

Want to request an interview with CMO Dr. Sim Bedi during Colon Cancer Awareness Month?  Or talk to our CEO Lara Kelley, about the new Endoscopy Center? Email our media contact, Elise Oberliesen, or call direct at 303.872.9908.

About Us

Gastroenterology of the Rockies operates seven GI clinics and endoscopy centers in Denver and Boulder. Our mission is to advance digestive health and quality of life for all our patients. We specialize in gastrointestinal health including colonoscopy procedures, liver disease and hepatology, advanced endoscopic procedures, and inflammatory bowel disease – Crohn’s and Colitis. We treat a variety of conditions including abdominal pain, acid reflux (GERD), constipation and diarrhea, celiac disease, colitis, hemorrhoids, pancreas and biliary diseases, stomach and esophageal conditions, and irritable bowel syndrome.