Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Activities Get Underway

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at generating increased awareness about colorectal cancer and encouraging people to learn more about how to prevent the disease through regular screening and a healthy lifestyle.

The effort was begun by the Cancer Research Foundation of America, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable in 2000. There are 45 collaborating partner organizations that help promote the month.

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month partners and sponsors hope to reduce the number of people who die from colorectal cancer in the United States. In 2002, approximately 148,300 people will be diagnosed with the disease and 56,600 people will die from it.

During the months' activities, the following points will be stressed:

• Colorectal cancer is highly preventable because regular screening can detect pre-cancerous polyps before the cancer even starts;
• Colorectal cancer is highly treatable and curable when detected early;
• If you are age 50 or over, you should get screened regularly for colorectal cancer; and
• Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
  

Other Sources: Cancer Research Foundation of America