PAs Play Role in Colorectal Cancer Detection, Care
As colorectal cancer (CRC) cases increase among younger adults, Lindsay Pearson, MSPAS, PA-C, a Board Certified PA practicing in colorectal surgery at Emory Healthcare, provides information on identifying warning signs and assisting patients through treatment.
With March marking Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, PAs are positioned to reinforce the importance of screening and early intervention to combat this preventable disease.
Recognizing the Signs
“It can be really easy to assume that changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding are benign, especially in the younger patient population,” Pearson said. “I get as many details as possible — duration, inciting events and persistence in symptoms despite conservative treatments. CRC is always in the back of my mind.”