Faith Community Health System Encourages Healthy Habits and Timely Screening
JACKSBORO, Texas (March 5, 2026) — Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that prevention is not one big decision, but a series of small choices that add up over time. Faith Community Health System is encouraging adults and families across the region to focus on everyday steps that support colon health, schedule a preventive wellness visit, and understand when screening should become part of a long-term health plan.
“Awareness month is a great time to pause and ask a simple question: ‘Am I doing what I can to lower my risk, and am I up to date on screening?’” said Delbert McCaig, D.O., Family Medicine at FCHS Bowie. “For many people, the first step is not a procedure — it’s a conversation with your provider about risk factors, family history, and the healthiest plan going forward.”
While age and family history play a role, lifestyle can matter, too. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco, and choosing a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are practical steps that can support overall colon health.
“Most people want to know what they can do right now,” Dr. McCaig said. “Simple goals — moving more days than not, building meals around fiber-rich foods, cutting back on highly processed foods, and keeping up with regular checkups — can help you take control of your health.”
Colorectal cancer can also develop without symptoms, which is why screening is so important. During a wellness visit, your provider can review personal risk factors and help you decide what type of screening is appropriate and when to begin.
“Screening timelines are not one-size-fits-all, Dr. McCaig noted. “People with a close family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, certain digestive conditions, or prior screening findings may need to begin earlier or be screened more often. Your provider can help you understand what schedule is right for you.”
For many adults at average risk, screening should begin at age 45.
“Age 45 is an important milestone for many adults because that’s when screening should start for people at average risk,” said Frank Walker, MD, General Surgeon. “A colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools we have because it allows us to examine the colon and, when appropriate, remove polyps before they become cancer.”
Faith Community Health System offers colonoscopy services at Faith Community Hospital in Jacksboro, helping patients complete recommended screening close to home. Dr. Walker said local access can remove a major barrier for patients who might otherwise delay care.
“If you’re 45 or older and you’ve been putting off screening, the most important step is to talk with your provider and make a plan you can follow through on,” Dr. Walker said. “Most patients tell us afterward they’re relieved they did it — they have answers, peace of mind, and sometimes we’re able to prevent a serious problem entirely.”
Dr. McCaig also encourages residents not to wait for warning signs before seeking care. Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, ongoing fatigue, or abdominal discomfort should be evaluated by a provider, but screening is designed to detect concerns before symptoms ever appear.
“Prevention doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” Dr. McCaig said. “Start with one step: schedule a visit with your primary care provider, talk through your risk, and decide what you will do this year to stay ahead of colon cancer.”