UnityPoint Health wants to get local participation in colorectal cancer screenings up to 80 percent this year.
Dr. Keith Knepp is the hospital's regional CEO. He said there are numerous screening resources available in Peoria, but they aren't as utilized as they should be.
"We still have too many patients not really taking advantage of the opportunity for early detection and be able to treat it at early stages or better yet, have a polyp detected before it turns into cancer at all," he said.
Knepp said colonoscopies, while uncomfortable, can be life-saving. And he said there are less invasive alternatives also available.
Currently, colorectal screening rates sit in the 60 percent range in Central Illinois. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death nationwide.
"Our encouragement to everyone is make sure that you're getting this done," Knepp said. "And you're taking the steps to detect a cancerous lesion or precancerous lesion and not become one of those statistics."
Knepp said colorectal cancer is very treatable when caught early. Colonoscopies are usually recommended to patients over age 50.
People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in the Peoria area. To support more stories and interviews like this one, please consider making a contribution.
Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU. 9(MDIwMjIxMDA0MDE0Mzk4NDIzNjA0OGQ5Yg001))