As Colon Cancer Awareness Month approaches (March), researchers are recommending that African-Americans get screened for colon cancer at age 45 instead of 50.

“CRC incidence rates were 25% higher and mortality rates were 50% higher in African Americans versus Caucasians between the years 2006–2010,” wrote Dr. d Renee L. Williams, in an article published by Clinical & Translational Gastroenterology.

According to American College of Gastroenterology, colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death African-American men and women. It is a largely preventable disease and  screenings and early detection saves lives.

For more information on the Clinical & Translational Gastroenterology journal, visit www.gi.org/ColonCancer.