Marching Toward Prevention: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Written by: Scott Coleman, SWVHS Communications Manager, and Brittany Thornhill, FNP-BC, SWVHS Director of Quality and Risk Management

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of screening and early detection. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet it is one of the most preventable. Early detection saves lives, but many individuals delay or avoid screening due to misconceptions, barriers, or fears. As a primary care organization committed to improving the health of our communities, we want to break down these barriers and encourage people to take control of their well-being.

Brittany Thornhill, FNP-BC, an advanced practice practitioner and Director of Quality and Risk Management at Southern West Virginia Health System shares her insight into the challenges surrounding colorectal cancer screening.

“The most common misconception about colorectal cancer I encounter is individuals not perceiving themselves as at risk, especially if they are younger and are not showing any signs or symptoms,” says Thornhill. “In reality, cases among younger populations are on the rise, and symptoms often do not appear until the disease has progressed. If you are 45 years of age or older, or if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, screening should be a priority—even if you feel healthy.”

Several factors prevent people from getting screened, but practical solutions are available:

• Cost Concerns: “Financial limitations can be a major barrier for many, and we recognize that some individuals may not have access to affordable screenings. Our goal is to help patients explore cost-effective options, such as starting with a FIT test, an at-home stool-based test that looks for blood in the stool, which could be a sign of cancer in the colon. From here, we can refer a colonoscopy if necessary. While prevention is generally more affordable than treatment, we acknowledge financial constraints remain a challenge for many,” explains Thornhill.
• Transportation Challenges: “Our community health workers play a key role in setting up transportation for patients to receive care,” Thornhill adds.
• Limited Access to Specialists: “Gastroenterologists may take months to get an appointment with, so one solution is getting referred to a general surgeon to perform screening colonoscopies to improve access to care.”

Thornhill talks about the challenges she faces as an advanced practice practitioner:

“Having the conversation is the easy part,” she says. “The challenging part is helping patients overcome psychological barriers to agree to complete the screening. Fear of pain or discomfort, anxiety about potential results, and even embarrassment can deter individuals from getting screened.”

Modern screenings have improved significantly, with less invasive options available and sedation used for colonoscopies to ensure comfort. The reality is simple: screening is far easier than battling advanced cancer.

“Individuals with lower income and those who are uninsured or underinsured are less likely to get screened. Young people, especially those under 45, may not perceive themselves as at risk, even though early-onset colorectal cancer is increasing,” Thornhill adds.

The first step to addressing these barriers requires increasing awareness and ensuring that every patient receives support in navigating their health.

If there is one message, we want to share during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it is this: “Get screened—it could save your life,” emphasizes Thornhill. Early detection dramatically increases survival rates and can prevent cancer from developing in the first place. We understand that barriers exist, but we are here to help patients navigate them. If you have concerns, talk to your primary care provider today about the best screening option for you. Your health is worth it.

All Southern West Virginia Health System locations are now accepting new patients. To find a location near you, please visit swvhs.org

About Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS):
Southern West Virginia Health System is a comprehensive healthcare organization dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare services throughout southern West Virginia. SWVHS offers a full spectrum of medical care, including family medicine-based primary care, specialty care, pharmacy services, and school-based health care, all designed to meet the evolving health needs of the region’s residents.

For media inquiries, contact:

Scott Coleman
Communications Manager
Southern West Virginia Health System
(681)479-0809
Scott.coleman@swvhs.org