Dear Editor: We are fortunate to live in an age where a painless, routine procedure can save lives. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and I urge our residents to talk to their doctors about a colonoscopy.

While it is not a subject most of us are comfortable discussing, colonoscopies have become a routine procedure that can detect cancers before they become life-threatening.

I have had the test twice myself, and each time polyps – that could have posed a threat had they gone undetected – were removed.

On behalf of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Ocean County Board of Health, I ask everyone, but especially those over 50 or who have a family history of colorectal cancer, to call their doctor today.

Sincerely,

Gerry P. Little

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