March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), this type of cancer is the third most common in the U.S. in both men and women. ACS estimates over 140,00 new cases will be diagnosed in 2018. Risk factors for developing the disease hover around four percent for both women and men, although women are slightly less affected. This type is also the third leading cause of cancer deaths in America, and is expected to claim over 50,000 lives this year.

While colorectal cancer is common, ACS Senior Community Manager Kim Durst tells Raccoon Valley Radio it is easily prevented and treated with regular screening. “Screening tests can find pre-cancerous polyps, which can be removed, preventing cancer from developing. If the test finds early colon cancer, treatment has a high success rate. There are really easy tests that can be done, that’s affordable. The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor. If you are 50 or older, reach out to your physician and talk to them about it and get screened for colon cancer.”

Dark blue ribbons represent colorectal cancer awareness. President Bill Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in 2000.