March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remind our community that screening saves lives.
At Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center (KCHC), we are committed to expanding access to preventive care for individuals and families across Southeast Wisconsin. One of the most important screenings we provide is colorectal cancer screening, which is a home test that can detect cancer early or even prevent it before it starts.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the United States, yet it is highly preventable and treatable when detected early. Raising awareness during March helps start conversations, reduce stigma, and encourage adults aged 45 and older to take the next step in self-care to protect their health.
Colorectal Cancer in Wisconsin
Colorectal cancer remains a serious health concern in Wisconsin. Each year, more than 2,500 Wisconsinites are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and hundreds die from the disease. Screening rates continue to fall short of national goals despite the availability of easy home test kits.
Across Wisconsin, many adults between the ages of 45 and 75 are not up to date with recommended colorectal cancer screening. Screening can detect precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer, and it can detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.
Early detection significantly improves survival rates. When colorectal cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent. When found at a later stage, survival drops dramatically.
That is why early and regular screening matters.
Screening Now Starts at Age 45
National guidelines now recommend that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. This change reflects increasing rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults. Several public figures have brought attention to this trend, including actor Chadwick Boseman of Black Panther, who was diagnosed at age 43; actor James Van Der Beek of Dawson’s Creek, who has shared his diagnosis; journalist Katie Couric, who was diagnosed at 45; and Broadway actor Quentin Oliver Lee, who was diagnosed in his 30s.
If you are 45 or older and have not been screened, now is the time to talk with your Pillar Health or KCHC provider.
A Non-Invasive Screening Option Available at Pillar Health
For patients at average risk, Pillar Health offers Cologuard, a non-invasive, stool-based DNA screening test that can be completed at home.
- Detects DNA markers and blood associated with colorectal cancer and advanced precancerous lesions
- Is highly sensitive for detecting colorectal cancer
- Requires no bowel preparation, sedation, or time off work
- Can be completed in the privacy of your home
If a result is positive, a follow-up colonoscopy is required to confirm findings. A negative result means no signs of cancer or precancer were detected, but regular screening should continue as recommended by your provider.
Who Is Eligible?
Cologuard is intended for adults 45 years or older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer.
It is not recommended for patients who:
- Have a personal history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps
- Have certain hereditary cancer syndromes
- Have inflammatory bowel disease
- Have a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer (family history)
Your Pillar Health provider will help determine which screening option is right for you.
Take the Next Step
If you are 45 or older and have not completed colorectal cancer screening, we encourage you to choose self-care and schedule an appointment today. Our care teams are here to answer your questions and help you choose the screening option that fits your needs.
To schedule an appointment, call one of our Southeast Wisconsin locations:
Pillar Health Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-1700
KCHC 14th Avenue Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-1688
KCHC 22nd Avenue Kenosha Clinic: (262) 771-0070
KCHC 2nd Street Silver Lake Clinic: (262) 771-1963
Pillar Health Racine Clinic: (262) 771-0035
Early detection saves lives. Let’s protect your health together.
Why Screening Matters in Our Community
For many families in Kenosha, Racine, Silver Lake, and surrounding Southeast Wisconsin communities, barriers like transportation, work schedules, childcare, or fear of invasive procedures can delay screening.
Offering at-home testing options like Cologuard helps remove some of those barriers and makes screening more accessible. When more people get screened, more cancers are caught early and more lives are saved.
Preventive care is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect the health of our community.
Colorectal Cancer Screening FAQ
Do not wait to schedule your appointment.
Kenosha Community Health Center has many appointment options in Kenosha and Silver Lake to meet your needs.
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