Article written by Dr. Jeremy Storm, Chief Medical Officer at Snoqualmie Valley Health.
Hello everyone, and happy Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!
Spring is here, and March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month—a critical time to spotlight one of the most common yet preventable cancers affecting millions of people worldwide.
At Snoqualmie Valley Health, we are committed to providing patients with the best tools and information to stay healthy. Our responsibility is not only to educate our communities but also to encourage action to screen for this preventable disease.
Understanding Colorectal Cancer
As of 2025, colorectal cancer, or CRC, is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the United States. CRC refers to cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. It often starts as small, benign growths known as polyps, which can develop into cancer over time. This is why screening methods that detect precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer are so critical. When CRC is detected early, there is a 90% five-year survival rate.
Focus on the Facts
- CRC affects all races, genders and ethnicities.
- About 75% of people have no family history of colorectal cancer.
- CRC is on the rise in adults under 50.
What Are Your Options?
Speak with one of our gastrointestinal experts. SVH providers Slava Glijin, PA-C, and Yen Chen, MD, are accepting patients for outpatient gastrointestinal consultations, including determining the need for a screening colonoscopy or endoscopy, as well as noninvasive screening options such as Cologuard. Our GI providers can evaluate and treat you or your loved ones with or without a referral. Reach out today to be seen in March!
Speak with your SVH primary care provider. SVH primary care providers are highly knowledgeable about CRC screening options and can help you determine which colorectal cancer screening choice is best for you.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults 45 and older—or individuals younger than 45 with certain risk factors or a family history—get regular colorectal cancer screenings. As a 45-year-old man, I recently completed my first colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy. It was a very easy process. I was given the option of either Cologuard, which is done every three years, or a screening colonoscopy, which is done every 10 years if low risk. I chose the colonoscopy. The primary care and GI teams did an amazing job, answered all my questions, and made the process go exceptionally well. I can’t speak highly enough of the care provided by Hicks, Glijin, Chen and their teams. Thank you for all you do for your patients—including me!