by Family Physicians
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by Family Physicians
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March often makes us think of green, fresh starts, springtime, and a new season ahead. But there’s another important color this month: blue. 💙
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to education, early detection, and prevention.
As we step into the first Monday of March, it’s the perfect reminder to prioritize something we often put off, our health.
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Why This Matters
Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and is one of the most common cancers in both men and women. The good news? It is highly treatable and often curable when caught early.
Screenings save lives. Early detection truly makes all the difference.
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Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
Colorectal cancer can sometimes develop quietly, but there are symptoms you should never ignore:
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool) lasting more than a few days
• Blood in or on the stool (bright red or dark)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal discomfort (cramping, gas, pain)
• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Ongoing fatigue or weakness
Even subtle changes can be important. Trust your body.
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When Should You Call a Doctor?
📞 Call your healthcare provider if:
• Symptoms last more than a couple of weeks
• You notice rectal bleeding
• You have ongoing abdominal pain
• You feel unusually fatigued without explanation
• You have a family history of colorectal cancer
• You’re 45 or older and haven’t scheduled a screening
Routine screenings are now recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk adults, sometimes earlier if you have risk factors.
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Screening Options
Screenings may include:
• Colonoscopy
• Stool-based tests
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Your provider can help determine what’s best for you based on your health history and risk level.
While green may symbolize March, let’s also wear blue with purpose. Use this first Monday as a fresh start, schedule that appointment, encourage a loved one to get screened, and have conversations that could save a life.
Early detection is powerful. Prevention is possible. And awareness starts with us.
If you have questions about screening or symptoms, don’t wait. Reach out to your healthcare provider and take that step today.
Because your health deserves attention, this March and every month. 💙
One of the things I love about our office is the people behind the care. We are so fortunate to have three wonderful providers who work together with one shared goal, taking care of our patients. Our amazing Dr. Goedken, whose dedication to family medicine has touched so many lives, alongside Jennifer, our wonderful nurse practitioner who has been part of our office family for 15 years! And now, we are excited to welcome Abbie, a physicians assistant, who joins our team to help care for our growing number of patients. It takes a special team to make a difference. From the experience and dedication already here to the new hands joining us, we are growing together, and we couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead!
We’d love to welcome you to our office! From the front desk to the exam room and everything in between, our team is here to help make you feel cared for, heard, and right at home. If you’re ready to become a patient, visit our website and fill out our family medicine application or our wellness application. We’ll take it from there! We’re here. We’re growing. And we’d love to have you join our family.
We’re excited to officially be accepting new family medicine patients, depending on your insurance. Whether you’re looking for a doctor for yourself, your family, or simply a place that feels a little more like home, we’d love to welcome you to ours. If you’re not looking for primary care but are interested in weight loss or hormone/testosterone therapy, we’re welcoming new patients for those services as well. Give us a call and let our BOO BOO CREW take care of you!
As we celebrate the Especially for You Race this Sunday, we’re reminded of the strength of those who have fought breast cancer, those still fighting, and the loved ones standing beside them. One simple reminder we can all share: early detection matters. Staying up to date with recommended screenings and paying attention to changes in your body can help find breast cancer earlier, when it may be easier to treat. Know your body. Keep your screenings up to date. For every survivor. Every fighter. Every family. We’re especially for you.
