Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a time to encourage everyone over the age of 50 to get screened regularly for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the rectum or colon. It’s the second leading cause of cancer-related death for both men and women.

People over the age of 50 are at the highest risk for colorectal cancer. Other risk factors include:

• Growths (called polyps) inside the colon
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Smoking
• Health conditions like Crohn’s Disease
• Being African-American

Here’s the good news: you can reduce your risk if you get screened for colorectal cancer starting at the age of 50. You can also reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by:

• Getting active
• Eating healthy