Arkansas clinic offering free colon cancer screenings in March

North Little Rock, AR (KATV) — The American Cancer Society recently released a report that out of the top five cancers, colon cancer is the only one increasing in cancer mortality over the last 20 years. It is the #1 cause of cancer mortality of men under the age of 50, #2 for women.

Dr. Hunter Dunn, a gastroenterologist with Arkansas Gastroenterology, said that most people won’t have symptoms, and that’s why screenings are so important.

“It’s a scary thing and we’re trying to get people screened,” Dunn said. “Screening is important because we can catch things like cancers or early growths that could turn into cancer.”

Despite being the third most common cause of cancer death in the U.S., screening rates in Arkansas are low, often due to lack of insurance or underinsurance.

Arkansas Gastroenterology is hosting a free screening day on March 6, offering no-cost preparation or procedures. If you’re interested in the free screening, call 501-945-3343.

ACS recommends starting colonoscopy screenings every 10 years at age 45, unless there is a family history or symptoms such as changes in stool, bleeding, or rapid weight loss.