Several events are planned to raise awareness and promote screening.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and this year’s Cancer Facts and Figures report revealed that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of death in men and the second in women under 50 years old. Even more alarming, only about 20% of people ages 45 – 49 are getting screened for colorectal cancer and it is the third-leading cause of cancer death in both Black men and women.
Regular colorectal cancer screening can find and remove lesions before they become cancer, and everyone aged 45 and older is encouraged to talk to a doctor about colorectal cancer screening.
Key messages for the month include:
- At age 45, start colorectal cancer screening.
- Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.
- Regular colorectal cancer screening can find and remove lesions before they become cancer.
- Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men and the second in women under 50 years old.
- Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in both Black men and women.
There are several events happening this month in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, including the following.
On March 5, the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable will announce the five 2024 80% in Every Community Award honorees. The NCCRT will host the annual NCCRT Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Webcast on Wednesday, March 13, from 12 noon – 1 p.m. ET. Registration is required through the NCCRT website. Stay tuned to My Society Source for updates!
On Feb. 29, the ACS and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance will launch the YourColonIs45 campaign to encourage individuals to learn more about colorectal cancer screening and remind others to get screened for colorectal cancer. The campaign will drive people to YourColonIs45.org where information from both organizations will inform and inspire people to take action by visiting cancer.org/getscreened to find a screening location, taking a screening quiz on the Colorectal Cancer Alliance website, and send a screening reminder card to friends and family.
