March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and men and women are advised to be screened at age 50, African-Americans at 45, and anyone with a family history of the disease is urged to be tested earlier. Colorectal cancer is the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., and the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women, but it’s also the most preventable. Dr. James C. Hobley, member of the American College of Gastroenterology, says people tend to put off that checkup out of fear it will be painful. He says that’s not the case and says the risk you take by not going to the doctor isn’t worth it. Hobley also says a lot of advances have been made and treatment has improved over the last few decades, but he stresses the importance of early diagnosis.