Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition (ASCCC) is raising awareness for Colorectal Cancer, given that March is awareness month, by wearing blue this coming Friday, March 3.

The call by the ASCCC is outlined in a statement posted on their social media platform. 

“March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Help us spread the word that colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable by wearing blue in March.

Here's how easy it is to support, dress in blue as represents the eternal memory of the people who have lost their lives to this disease and the shining hope for a future free of colon cancer.

According to the Colorectal Cancer Coalition, screening is the No. 1 way to prevent or detect this disease early, when it’s most treatable. With early detection, CRC has a 90% survival rate.

“When it comes to colorectal cancer, the most common symptom is no symptom. “That’s why colorectal cancer is called the silent killer. If you’re 45 and at average risk get screened.  “Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the US among men and women combined.

“Dress in Blue Day lets allies everywhere join our mission to end colorectal cancer. All of March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is a disease of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system. Unlike most cancers, colorectal cancer is often preventable with screening and highly treatable when detected early.”

Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people ages 45 and older, but the disease is increasingly affecting younger people. “Earlier is better! Symptoms of colon cancer and rectal cancer can be associated with many other health conditions.”

The early signs of cancer often do not include pain. Early detection can save your life.