Spencer, IA (KICD)– March is recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Mont which is a perfect time to review the basics of this type of cancer and talk about prevention.

Laura Manwarren from Spencer Hospital says colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed for both men and women in the United State the second most common cause of cancer death, but there are measures that can be taken to decrease risk.

Manwarren says there are two main types of screenings that can be done to test for colon cancer which for most people should start at the age of 45 or even earlier if there is a family history.

In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimated as many as 107 thousand new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed with the abnormal growths causing more than 52 thousand deaths.