It’s Colon Cancer Awareness Month

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Colon Cancer is one of the top three types of cancer in the world. It is diagnosed in 150,000 people a year, with one in 20 diagnosed with colon cancer, dying from the disease. This month is a time to shine a light on the importance of early detection and lifestyle choices in the fight against this prevalent disease. Screenings can decrease your chances of dying from the disease by 90%. Trey Folkers is a Doctor of Gastroenterology at Emplify Health – Gundersen.

While the average age to begin screening for colon cancer is 45, it can be different for everyone.

Folkers says if you display any signs of colon cancer you should see a doctor.

According to the American Cancer Society, anyone can develop colon cancer, but certain factors can increase the risk. Folkers says it can be caused by genetics, but colon cancer is based a large part on environment.

The month of March aims to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.