On March 3, the Prevent Cancer Foundation started National Colorectal Cancer Month in San Diego, California.

National Colorectal Cancer was established in 2000, when the Prevent Cancer Foundation and other concerned health groups gathered to identify the requirement for awareness of colorectal cancer. The month of March was selected to inform and increase knowledge of prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. It is prevalent in men and women over the age of 50. It was anticipated that around 150,000 people would be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, while nearly 50,000 will succumb to death in 2009.

Herb Roeschke, Salem County Health Department coordinator, urges the community to think about their risk.

"Awareness and prevention is key when it comes to all types of cancers but especially one that is so easily screened for and treated", he said.

He feels that everyone should communicate with their doctors about their risk for colorectal cancer.

People who smoke, are obese or don't exercise regularly are at a higher risk of colon cancer. Also, people who have a family history of colorectal cancer or non-cancerous colorectal polyps are prone to this type of cancer.

This cancer is avoidable since screenings can find polyps in the rectum or colon and eliminate them before they become a trouble. Screenings can also locate any cancer in its early stages when it can be easily treated.