To the editor,

Too often, the diseases that do the most damage are the ones that give us the best chance to stop them if we catch them early. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of them.

CRC is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in Americans younger than 50. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2026, 2,680 Wisconsinites will be diagnosed with CRC. To me, these statistics are unfortunate because when caught early, CRC has a five-year survival rate of over 90 percent. However, when caught late, it drops to below 15 percent.

The danger of this disease is obvious, and the need to get screened as recommended is clear. Yet traditional screening methods have kept too many people from getting screened.

Luckily, that is changing. The ACS recently updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines to recommend an FDA-approved blood test. That blood test is Guardant Health’s Shield, the first and only FDA-approved blood test for primary colorectal cancer screening for those 45 and older at average risk. With a quick and easy blood draw at your next doctor’s check-up, you can take the first step in catching this disease early.

CRC does not have to be a death sentence, especially when there are now quick and easy options to screen. Talk to your doctor about getting screened and take control of your health. It could save your life.

Stephanie Potton

River Falls