SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and one local family traveled to Washington, D.C. with a national organization to advocate for more funding. The American Cancer Society says colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and wom en in the U.S. They estimate over 107,000 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed this year. In Massachusetts, 2,770 cases of colon and rectum cancer are predicted this year. Blood test for colon cancer screening is approved by US regulators In an effort to spread awareness, twin sisters Kimberly Schoolcraft of Springfield and Karen Fogarty of Westfield obtained a Massachusetts Proclamation that names March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, signed by Governor Healey. Proclamation-CRC-Awareness-Month-2025Download Kimberly told 22News that she lost her partner to colon cancer several years ago, which led her and her sister to advocate for colorectal cancer awareness. "Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States among men and women combined. There is currently no cure, but many people don’t realize that it’s largely preventable," said Kimberly. Want to know your risk for colorectal cancer? Take the quiz: Earlier this month, Kimberly and her boyfriend Steve Franklin went to Washington, D.C. with Fight Colorectal Cancer to meet with congressional offices to ask for more funding for research. The organization is calling on Congress to create a colorectal cancer caucus in the House of Representatives. During their visit, Kimberly and Steve, along with many volunteers, placed 27,400 blue flags in front of the U.S. Capitol. They symbolize the number of people aged 20 to 49 who will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2030. "In 2030, it’s estimated to be the #1 cancer killer in that age group," Steve said. Karen Fogarty was unable to attend the Washington event this year. Blue flags are on display in her front yard in Westfield to support the fight for colorectal cancer. (Courtesy: Kimberly Schoolcraft) Kimberly Schoolcraft and Steve Franklin in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in the flag installation (Courtesy: Kimberly Schoolcraft) There are four stages of colon cancer. Stage one means that colon cancer has just started, and has not gone beyond the very superficial layer of the bowel. While stage two colon cancer is a little bit deeper into the wall of the bowel, it has not spread anywhere yet. Stages three and four are when the polyps become much more intrusive, making their way into other parts of the body and neighboring organs. This makes the disease much more difficult to contain and treat. New guidelines say people should be getting screened for colon cancer at age 45. The American Cancer Society found that this disease is now the top cause of cancer death in men under 50 and second only to breast cancer for women in the same age group. The top deadly cancer in men under 50 Timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and regular follow-up care are important for improving survival rates and quality of life. The rate of people being diagnosed with colon cancer each year has dropped overall since the 80s, mainly because more people are getting screened, but in people younger than 50 years of age, rates have gone up. There are programs, resources, and help for those diagnosed with cancer: Cancer Helpline: 1-800-227-2345 Educational materials Reduce the risk of cancer Share your story Cancer research Cancer Survivors Network Reach to Recovery Road to Recovery Hope Lodge Support for caregivers To help advocate for colorectal cancer, including resources, education, and more, visit fightcolorectalcancer.org. Local News Headlines Massachusetts family pushed for increased funding during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Northampton Elks Lodge donate funds to Veterans Food Panty Two injured during Tesla protest in Watertown, police investigating World Figure Skating Championships sells out TD Garden multiple days WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less