Newswise — With improvements in prevention, early detection and treatment, there are more than 1 million colorectal cancer survivors living in the United States. Still, an estimated 49,190 people will die, making this disease the second most deadly cancer in this country behind lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 134,490 people will be diagnosed in 2016—that’s 1 in 21 men and 1 in 23 women who will develop colon or rectal cancer.

Although colorectal cancer is most often diagnosed in people 50 years or older and rates in this age group are declining, the incidence among people under 50 is on the rise as shown in a recent paper published in the journal Cancer.

Tom Marsilje, PhD, a patient at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, and a cancer researcher himself, was diagnosed with inoperable stage IV cancer at the age of 40. Today, he writes a blog to bridge the world of patient and scientist together by sharing his personal story and personal knowledge of the disease.

At UC San Diego Health, a comprehensive team of medical, surgical and radiation oncologists use the most advanced treatment options, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), laparoscopic surgery and personalized medicine. At Moores Cancer Center, patients can enroll in clinical trials specifically for colorectal cancer.

Oncologists with Moores Cancer Center and the patient will be available throughout March during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to discuss this disease. For the latest on colorectal cancer, read a Q&A with Samuel Eisenstein, MD at: www.bit.ly/colorectalQA