March was dedicated National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in the United States in February 2000 by President Clinton and has since become a rallying point for the colon cancer community. Throughout the month thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates across the country wear the color blue in solidarity, fundraise and work to increase education and awareness around the disease.
This year the Colorectal Cancer Alliance has launched the “Don’t ASSume” campaign to challenge assumptions and misconceptions surrounding colorectal cancer, while dispelling myths, increasing awareness and uniting people across the country.
For those unfamiliar with the disease, colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or the rectum, parts of the large intestine, and is highly treatable when discovered early. African Americans suffer the highest incidence and mortality rates, and death rates in blacks are 40% higher than that of whites.
If you have a direct relative (parent, sibling or children) that has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer then you are are 2-3 times more likely to develop cancer than those without
