March is colorectal cancer awareness month, following the death of actor James Van Der Beek. Dr. Douglas Rex, a gastroenterology expert at Indiana University, emphasized the importance of early detection for preventing the disease. The screening age in the US has been lowered due to a rising number of coloresctal cases occurring in people under 50. The updated screening guidelines apply to individuals who do not show any signs of illness. For those unable to undergo a colonoscopy, stool tests are available as an alternative. The primary risk factor for coloresal cancer is attributed to cigarette smoking.