TORRINGTON, Wyo. (March 19, 2025) – March marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a critical time for Banner Health Community Hospital in Torrington to reinforce that prevention and early detection can save lives. Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, yet the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is one of the most preventable cancers with routine screening.
In Wyoming, colorectal cancer and mortality rates are a concern – especially for those under 50. Approximately one in 10 new diagnoses of colorectal cancer are now made in individuals 50 years or younger and three of four patients with early-onset colorectal cancer have no family history of the disease.
With vast rural areas and limited specialist availability, having accessible screening in Goshen County is essential. Dr. Micah Price, a board-certified family medicine physician, completed a fellowship focused on colonoscopies before joining Community Hospital. Colonoscopies are an uncommon procedure for a family medicine physician but is a critical specialization in rural areas that allows more patients to receive screenings without traveling long distances.
A common reluctance around colonoscopies is the temporary discomfort they may cause. But delaying or avoiding screening can lead to far more serious consequences, including invasive surgeries and prolonged treatments.
Michelle Miller, a Banner employee and resident of Morrill, Neb., had her first colonoscopy at age 50 and received a clean bill of health. With no family history of cancer of any kind, she had no reason to believe she was at risk. She was advised to return for a follow-up screening in 10 years – but she didn’t.
At age 63, she was diagnosed with cecum cancer, a type of colorectal cancer that develops in the first part of the large intestine. Further tests with Banner revealed a stage 4, grade 1 neuroendocrine tumor that had spread to her liver.
“If I would have done my colonoscopy at 60, I question if I would have found it and it wouldn’t have spread to my liver like it did,” she said. “The beauty of it all is early detection and that, to me, is the importance of colonoscopies. I can live another 20 years and will probably die of something else before I die from this cancer.”
Dr. Price hopes to improve awareness and action about colorectal cancer.
“Colonoscopies have a bad reputation,” he said. “The prep is a big hindrance for people because they imagine they are going to be staying very close to the bathroom all day long. The truth is, one day of discomfort could mean the difference between a routine procedure once every 10 years and a life-altering diagnosis.”
There are also other alternatives for patients, said MacKinsey Sides, a nurse at Banner Health Clinic Torrington. Among the alternatives is virtual colonoscopy, which uses low-dose CT imaging to create 3D visuals of the colon, allowing doctors to identify cancer and precancerous polyps. Unlike standard colonoscopies, the procedure does not require sedation or anesthesia, enabling most patients to resume normal activities immediately after the 10- to 15-minute exam.
Another alternative is over-the-counter Cologuard, a noninvasive, stool-based test that detects DNA and blood markers associated with colorectal cancer. It is a convenient at-home option for those at average risk. While these alternatives can be effective, they may not fully replace a traditional colonoscopy, which allows for both detection and immediate removal of polyps.
For more information about Community Hospital and colorectal cancer screening, call (307) 532-2107.
About Community Hospital
Community Hospital in Torrington, Wyoming is operated by Banner Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health care systems with 33 hospitals in six states including Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Community Hospital offers obstetrics, general surgery, oncology, inpatient and outpatient diagnostics, rehabilitation services, community wellness and emergency care. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/torrington.
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Notes:
American Cancer Society page on colorectal cancer: www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention page on preventive screening: www.cdc.gov/cancer/prevention/screening.html
Cutlines:
Michelle Miller: Michelle Miller, a Banner Health employee and colon cancer survivor, is a strong proponent of early detection. Miller’s cancer was detected at Torrington Community Hospital.
Dr Price: Micah Price, MD, is a board-certified family practice physician and completed a fellowship on colonoscopies before joining Community Hospital.
For further information contact us at: media@bannerhealth.com
