March is officially here. In Atlanta and Vinings, that usually means the dogwoods are starting to bloom and we’re all getting ready for warmer weather. But at PCMD Primary Care, March represents something much more critical to your long-term health. It is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Healthcare shouldn’t be hard, and it shouldn’t be confusing. Yet, when it comes to colon cancer, many people stay in the dark until it is too late. We are here to change that. Whether you are visiting us for chronic disease management or a routine wellness exam, understanding your risk for colorectal cancer is a top priority.
The data for 2026 is clear: colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It is a title no one wanted this disease to claim, but it highlights exactly why we need to talk about it today.
The Growing Crisis: Why We Can’t Wait
For decades, colon cancer was seen as an "older person’s disease." That is no longer the case. We are seeing a significant and alarming rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults. In fact, one in five new cases now occurs in people under the age of 55.
If you are living in the Vinings or Smyrna area and you think you are "too young" to worry about your colon, it is time to look at the numbers. Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in adults under the age of 50. This isn't just a statistic; it is a call to action for every adult in our community.
At PCMD Primary Care, we believe in proactive medicine. We don't wait for symptoms to appear because, by the time colon cancer causes symptoms, it is often much harder to treat. Screening is the only way to stay ahead of the curve.
45 is the New 50
The most important update you need to know is the screening age. For years, the standard recommendation was to start screenings at age 50. That has changed. Medical experts and insurance providers now recognize that screening must start at age 45 for most adults.
If you are 45 or older, you need a screening plan. Period. At PCMD Primary Care, we provide personalized guidance on which screening method is right for you. Your health is not one-size-fits-all, and your medical care shouldn't be either.
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Early Detection Saves Lives: The 90% Rule
The good news: and there is very good news: is that colorectal cancer is highly preventable and highly treatable if caught early. When we find colorectal cancer at a localized stage, the five-year survival rate is over 90%.
Think about that. A simple screening can move the needle from a life-threatening crisis to a manageable, curable condition.
A colonoscopy is unique in the world of cancer screenings. Most tests, like a mammogram or a PSA test, are designed to find cancer that already exists. A colonoscopy can actually prevent cancer from ever starting. During the procedure, doctors can find and remove precancerous polyps before they have the chance to turn into a malignancy.
It is a two-for-one deal: detection and prevention in a single visit.
Why Choose PCMD Primary Care for Your Guidance?
You have a lot of options for healthcare in Atlanta. But your primary care experience shouldn't feel like a trip to the DMV. You shouldn't have to wait weeks for an appointment or sit in a crowded waiting room for an hour just to see a doctor for five minutes.
At PCMD Primary Care, we do things differently. As a concierge-style practice, we prioritize your time and your peace of mind.
- Same-day or next-day appointments: When you have a concern about your health, you shouldn't have to wait.
- 24/7 Physician Access: Our members can reach out when they need us, not just during business hours.
- No-Rush Consultations: We take the time to explain your screening options, the preparation involved, and what the results mean for your future.
- Direct and Transparent Pricing: Whether it is a $167 visit or a specific membership tier, we believe you deserve to know exactly what you are paying for.
Screening Options: What Is Right for You?
We know that some people put off colon cancer screenings because they dread the preparation for a colonoscopy. While a colonoscopy remains the "gold standard" for both detection and prevention, it isn't the only tool in our kit.
We offer various screening strategies depending on your risk factors, family history, and personal preferences:
- Colonoscopy: Recommended every 10 years for average-risk individuals. It is the most thorough and allows for polyp removal.
- Stool-Based Tests (like FIT or Cologuard): These can be done in the comfort of your home. They look for DNA changes or blood in the stool. These are done more frequently (every 1 to 3 years).
- Virtual Colonoscopy: A CT scan that looks at the colon, though it still requires the same preparation as a traditional colonoscopy.
During your wellness exam at PCMD Primary Care, we will sit down and discuss which of these options fits your lifestyle and your risk profile. We remove the guesswork so you can move forward with confidence.
Lifestyle and Prevention: More Than Just a Test
While screening is the most powerful tool we have, your daily choices in Vinings and Atlanta also play a huge role in your risk. Colorectal cancer is heavily influenced by lifestyle factors that we can manage together.
Diet and Nutrition
A diet high in fiber is your colon’s best friend. This means plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Conversely, diets high in red meats (beef, pork, lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs, deli meats) are linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Weight Management
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer. This is where our chronic disease management services come into play. We don't just tell you to "lose weight." We provide the medical support, whether through nutritional counseling or modern medical weight loss options like Semaglutide ($375) or Tirzepatide ($525), to help you reach a healthy weight.
Physical Activity
Staying active helps lower your risk. Whether it’s a walk along the Chattahoochee River or a session at your local gym, moving your body helps regulate hormones and reduces inflammation, both of which are key in cancer prevention.
Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking
Long-term smoking and heavy alcohol use are both linked to colorectal cancer. If you are struggling to kick these habits, let’s talk. We provide the tools and support to help you make these vital changes.
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Dress in Blue Day: Friday, March 6, 2026
To kick off the month, we encourage everyone in our community to participate in Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 6. By wearing blue, you are helping to start a conversation. You might be the reason a friend, a coworker, or a family member finally decides to schedule that screening they’ve been putting off.
Awareness is the first step toward action. At PCMD Primary Care, we are wearing blue to show our commitment to the health of our Atlanta and Vinings neighbors.
Take the Next Step with PCMD Primary Care
Health care shouldn't be a hurdle. It should be a partnership. At PCMD Primary Care, led by Dr. Jason Hayes, we are committed to providing a higher standard of primary care that focuses on you as an individual.
Don't let another March go by without addressing your colon health. If you are 45 or older: or if you have a family history of colon cancer: now is the time to act.
Schedule your comprehensive wellness exam today. We will review your history, discuss your risks, and get your screening scheduled quickly and easily.
Call us or visit our website to get started.
Your future self will thank you for the 15 minutes you take today to prioritize your health. Let’s work together to ensure you stay healthy for many more Atlanta springs to come.
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