By Michael Worthington
March signals renewal. As winter fades, many of us turn to spring cleaning, planning our gardens, and looking ahead with fresh energy. It’s also a time to focus on something just as important: our health.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In 2025, more than 154,000 people were diagnosed, and nearly 53,000 lost their lives to the disease.
Once thought of as affecting mostly older adults, colorectal cancer is increasingly impacting younger people. By 2030, it’s estimated that 10% of colon cancer cases and 22% of rectal cancer cases in the U.S. will occur in individuals under 50—an alarming rise. Recent losses, including actor James Van Der Beek at 48 and Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman at 43, have brought more visibility to this trend.
For Filipino Americans, the concern is even greater. A Cedars-Sinai study found that Filipinos in the U.S. have significantly lower screening rates and poorer outcomes compared to non-Hispanic Whites. This gap exists despite high levels of education, income, insurance coverage, and English proficiency within the community.
Lower screening rates often lead to later-stage diagnoses—when treatment is more difficult and survival rates are lower.
The good news: colorectal cancer is highly preventable. When detected early, the survival rate is about 90%.
Screening options are more accessible than ever. These include colonoscopies and simple at-home stool-based tests such as FIT or DNA kits. If you’re over 45—or younger with symptoms or a family history—talk to your doctor about getting screened.
Pay attention to your body. Persistent abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss should not be ignored. Early action can save lives.
As the days grow longer this March, let’s take steps to lengthen our lives as well. Talk to your loved ones. Encourage screening. Make that appointment.
A healthier future can start with one simple decision.
Mike Worthington has lived in Chicago for over twenty years, after time in four states and Lima, Peru. Born in Cavite City in 1967 and raised in a non-Filipino household, he is proud to support community efforts, including volunteering to help restore the Rizal Center.
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