What is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month?

Every March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a national effort to educate people about colorectal cancer, encourage screening, and promote prevention. The goal is simple: help more people understand their risk and take steps that can detect or prevent cancer early.

Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum and is one of the most common cancers in the United States. The encouraging news is that it is also one of the most preventable cancers when it is caught early through screening. Because the disease often develops slowly over time, regular screening can identify and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancer.

Health experts recommend that most adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, or earlier for individuals with a higher risk.

Why Awareness Month Matters

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month helps bring attention to prevention and encourages important conversations about screening and digestive health. Throughout March, organizations across the country work to share information, promote healthy habits, and encourage people to stay up to date on recommended screenings.

Awareness efforts focus on:

• Encouraging people to stay up to date on colorectal cancer screenings

• Educating communities about risk factors and prevention

• Promoting open conversations about digestive health

• Supporting local organizations like BCCAP

  that provide education and resources

About BCCAP

The Brookings Colorectal Cancer Awareness Program (BCCAP) is a public relations capstone experience at South Dakota State University. Students in the program work together each year to develop and implement a community awareness campaign focused on colorectal cancer prevention and screening.

Through outreach, partnerships, and educational efforts, the campaign aims to increase awareness in the Brookings community and support local colorectal cancer education initiatives.

Community members who would like to support these efforts can donate directly through the BCCAP website, helping fund colorectal cancer education and awareness initiatives in Brookings.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that education, awareness, and early screening can save lives.