Dr. Todd N. Witte of Northwest Gastroenterology in Bellingham will discuss colon cancer issues and answer your questions thoughout March, which is designated as Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the third-most common cancer behind lung, breast and prostate cancer. Colon cancer is preventable if pre-cancerous growths, which are called "polyps," can be detected and removed. If colon cancer is detected early, it is beatable in more than 90 percent of cases. Less than two-thirds of those who should be screened for colon polyps or early colon cancer are checked.

Witte is board-certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology. He is one of eight board-certified gastroenterologists at Northwest Gastroenterology, the largest single-specialty doctors office focusing on the "gut" healthcare of Whatcom County residents. Witte earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University. His internal medicine residency and specialty gastroenterology fellowship were completed at The George Washington University Hospital in Washington D.C. He has practiced medicine in Australia and has participated in advanced endoscopic training through the University of British Columbia. Witte performed more than 1,000 endoscopic procedures last year.