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As Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Ends, Health Officials Urge Public To Get Screened

Florida Department of Health Facebook

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month ends Saturday. And, Florida health officials want the public to be aware of the cancer that’s the second leading cause of death among men and women.

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that can occur in the colon or rectum. According to the Florida Department of Health, it usually starts with a precancerous polyp—a growth that should not be there.

Over time, health officials say some polyps can be cancerous, and screening tests may catch the cancer early. That may include a stool test or a colonoscopy.

People aged 50 or older are more at risk for the colorectal cancer. So, health officials advise getting screened yearly.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.