Dr. Jason Snowden Talks Colon Cancer Prevention and Detection at WMMC

Meet Dr. Jason Snowden

As a family physician at Western Missouri Medical Center, Dr. Snowden cares for patients of all ages and performs endoscopy procedures, including colonoscopies, which can detect and prevent cancer.

“It sounds weird, but colon cancer prevention is something I actually enjoy doing and am passionate about,” he said. “Much of medicine focuses on managing illness, but colon cancer prevention can make a definitive impact.”

Dr. Snowden encourages eligible adults to not put off this important procedure. Colonoscopies are effective not only at detecting cancer but also preventing one out of every three colon cancer deaths in the United States.

Colorectal Health: What You Should Know

Colon cancer is increasingly common in younger adults. In response, the American Cancer Society lowered the recommended age for colonoscopy screening to 45.

“For about every 250 people who get scoped, you might find one colon cancer. That’s significant enough to make screening worthwhile,” Dr. Snowden explained. “We find a polyp in about 40% of first-time screening patients.”

Proactive detection has decreased colon cancer deaths in older adults, and screening prevents cancers by removing pre-cancerous polyps before they become cancerous.

Are You Eligible for Screening?

Colon cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors increase risk, including obesity, alcohol use, smoking, and diets low in fiber or high in red meat. Genetics and family history also play a role.

“Patients with a family history or prior polyps often need earlier or more frequent screenings,” Dr. Snowden said. “Most people start at age 45, but some start at 40 or 10 years before a family member’s diagnosis.”

What to Expect

Colonoscopy preparation has improved significantly. Patients now use smaller volumes of prep solutions or flavorless tablets over a few hours, making the process more comfortable.

The procedure itself is outpatient, with most patients in and out the same day and minimal recovery time.

Conclusion

Dr. Snowden sees patients Monday through Thursday and performs endoscopy procedures on Tuesdays at WMMC.

“Our community is fortunate to have a great medical facility with multiple providers performing colonoscopies. It gives patients peace of mind knowing they’re actively protecting their colon health.”