'This is something that we should be aware of year-round': Colorectal cancer awareness continues beyond March

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, health professionals and advocates say education efforts remain critical throughout the year.

Gaulien Smith, known locally as Gee of Gee’s Clippers in Milwaukee, said the issue is personal for him.

"It’s really a disease that has taken so many people out so early. And my dad being one of them, just 62 years old dying from colon cancer. So, I love to see a light being shined on that disease for a whole month and hopefully it will jump start a lot of individuals to get checked," Smith said.

Gee’s Clippers features an on-site clinic offering blood pressure checks, glucose monitoring and general health education.

Dr. Gerald Gantt of UI Health says that colorectal cancer awareness should remain a year-round priority.

"I think that it’s important that we highlight different cancers at different times to really focus in on them but in general, this is something that we should be aware of year-round: making healthy choices, making sure that our screening is up to date for colorectal and other cancers as well."

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be just over 2 million new cancer diagnoses in the U.S., along with over 600,000 cancer deaths.

The ACS also says that Black people in the U.S. are particularly impacted by the disease, with colorectal cancer predicted to represent 8% of new cancers diagnosed among Black people this year. Black people also have a 40-50% higher death rate for colorectal cancer compared to other groups.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 45. However, doctors advise seeking medical guidance sooner if symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss occur.