March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
Get Screened. Be an Ally. Spread the Word!
In February 2000, President Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Since then, it has grown to be a rallying point for the colorectal cancer community where thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates throughout the country join together to spread colorectal cancer awareness by wearing blue, holding fundraising and education events, talking to friends and family about screening and so much more.
Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.
As COVID-19 gripped the country, colorectal cancer screenings plummeted. This March, we are calling on every ally to help get screening back on track!
Regular screening, beginning at age 50, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum). If you’re 50 to 75 years old, get screened for colorectal cancer regularly. If you’re younger than 50 and think you may be at high risk of getting colorectal cancer, or if you’re older than 75, ask your doctor if you should be screened.
You have the power to save lives! Raise awareness about colorectal cancer and screening on your social media.
Facts About Colorectal Cancer
Provided by the CDC to raise awareness of the dangers of colorectal cancer.
Every year, about 140,000 people in the United States get colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die of it.
Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
Only about two-thirds of adults in the United States are up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening.
Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. If you have symptoms, they may include blood in or on the stool, abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, or losing weight and you don’t know why. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor.
There are several screening test options. Talk with your doctor about which is right for you.
Screen for Life
This Public Service Announcement provided by the CDC features Meryl Streep, who discusses the importance of colorectal cancer screening for men and women aged 50 and older. Ms. Streep explains that screening can prevent colorectal cancer, by finding polyps so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer.