Mark Your Calendars! March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Take steps now to prevent this common cancer!

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the U.S. And yet, it is one the most detectable, treatable and preventable cancers.

Your risk for colon cancer increases if you are:

• 50 years or older
• African American
• have an immediate family member diagnosed with colon cancer

However, this cancer can develop even without these risk factors. Colon cancer also strikes those younger than 50, affects people of all races, and 70 percent of those diagnosed do not have a family history.

Here are some important steps that can help you reduce your risk:

• Don’t smoke
• Stay physically active
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a high-fiber diet
• Follow the recommendations for colonoscopy — the best way to reduce your risk!