March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 and it ranks as the second leading cause for women under 50; breast cancer remains number one.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and doctors fear delays in screening and diagnosis may lead to more advanced stage cancers and poor outcomes. Colorectal cancer is preventable when pre-cancerous polyps are found and removed, that’s why screening is so important. AdDr. Steele said a colonoscopy is considered the ‘gold standard’ in colorectal screening, but at-home options are available too. The American Cancer Society recommends adults at average risk for colorectal cancer be screened at age 45. People at high risk, including those with a family history of polyps or colon cancer, may be due sooner.