The hearing was scheduled in early March to kick off the first National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Congress designated the month of March to draw public attention to this deadly, but highly preventable disease and to encourage early detection through screening. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. This year 129,400 Americans will be diagnosed with this type of cancer and 56,000 Americans will die from it.
Colorectal cancer affects men and women equally.
In fact, more women over the age of 75 die of colorectal cancer than breast cancer. One of the hallmarks of colorectal cancer is that in its early stages, symptoms are difficult to detect. This is why many people fail to learn about their cancer until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Family history, diet, and age are indicative of significant risk factors. Individuals whose families have a history of cancer are at higher risk.