March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

No question about it…colonoscopies save lives.
 
Ask most people and they'll tell you they hate the idea of having a colonoscopy. Whether they are worried about the discomfort, embarrassment or fear of what might be found, no one looks forward to the procedure.
 
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States behind lung cancer. Fortunately, it is one of the most preventable and curable cancers.
 
"A colonoscopy is an exam that could save your life," explains Gundersen Decorah general surgeon Dr. Michael LaBelle.  He adds, "It offers the best opportunity for doctors to detect colon cancer or polyps, which are precancerous growths, at an early, more treatable stage." 

"Nobody looks forward to a colonoscopy, but it can prevent much worse things down the road," says Dr. LaBelle. "If you ask someone who's had a colonoscopy, they'll probably tell you, 'It's not so bad.'"

Three Gundersen surgeons perform colonoscopies in Northeast Iowa at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran in West Union, Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, Veteran's Memorial Hospital in Waukon, and Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco--Dr. LaBelle, Dr. Scott Bierman, and Dr. Phillip Yee.

For more information about colonoscopies, contact your primary care provider.