Let's talk about March! Colorectal cancer awareness month!

Some facts:

• Colorectal cancer is the #2 cause of cancer death in the U.S.
• Over 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year.
• Colorectal cancer often has no symptom at all until it's at an advanced stage.
• Colorectal cancer is 80% preventable when detected early.
• You can reduce your risk through regular screening.
• Beginning at age 50 (or earlier if you have a family history), everyone should be screened for colorectal cancer.

So March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I'm going to start hassling everyone about it because as we all know, I have rectal cancer. I don't want anyone I know or care about to be diagnosed with rectal cancer. In my not so humble opinion, the best way to catch colorectal cancers in young people is to be open to talking about your ass. Something going on back there that doesn't seem right? Suck it up, get to your doctor, and deal with it. Your doctor has heard it all, and he/she should be totally comfortable talking about your ass issues. Chances are you'll find out you have some other thing going on, but wouldn't it be better to know early?

March 5th is a day that has been set aside for people to wear blue for colorectal cancer awareness. I'll be wearing blue that day, and I'd like to invite my friends and family to join me. When people ask why you're wearing blue, feel free to share my story, my blog address, my email, whatever. Let's get the word out that colorectal cancer is NOT just some old person disease, that young people are fighting it too. If you like fancy t-shirts with slogans on them, cafepress.com has some great colorectal cancer shirts for supportive family and friends. Blue ribbon, people!!

This won't be the last time you read about Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Be warned, get out your blue, share the knowledge to help someone else.