The American Cancer Society recently launched a national campaign for public awareness about Colorectal Cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States.
In 2001, it is estimated that 2,200 Arizonans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 900 will die from the disease. With special emphasis in March, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society is committed to generating widespread awareness about colorectal cancer, prompting people to take action by learning more about preventing the disease. The diagnosis of colorectal cancer in high-profile individuals such as Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg and baseball players Darryl Strawberry and Eric Davis, has helped generate awareness of the disease. NBC Today show co-anchor Katie Couric, people are still reluctant or embarrassed to talk about the disease. Colorectal cancer, unlike other cancers, is a highly preventable disease and one that can be detected early through screening.