Colon cancer signs

After a few years of switching careers and creating businesses, Palm Springs resident David Russo, 38, wanted to do something that would help people.

[Anal cancer](https://www.cancer.gov/types/anal/patient/anal-treatment-pdq#:~:text=Anal%20cancer%20is%20a%20disease,a%20lump%20near%20the%20anus.) is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the anus. The risk of colorectal cancer increases as people get older, but about [11% of all colorectal diagnoses are in people under age 50](https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer/risk-factors-and-prevention). Most anal cancers are related to [human papillomavirus](https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm#:~:text=What%20is%20HPV%3F,including%20genital%20warts%20and%20cancers.), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States, according to the [American Cancer Society](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html). [American Cancer Society](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/acs-recommendations.html) recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screenings at age 45. Risk factors of colorectal cancer include inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and a family history of cancer or polyps. He started an Instagram account for Cheeky Charity and encouraged people to post photos of their backside (usually with the Cheeky Charity heart-shaped peach logo over their behinds) for the #MarchYourButt challenge. Throughout March, which is known as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Cheeky Charity has organized a number of social events to get people taking about their peaches and marching their butts to the doctor. The nonprofit is on a mission to teach people, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, about colorectal cancer and help them take care of their bums. Funds raised will go toward colorectal and anal cancer research, creating awareness and helping people who are at high-risk but without insurance to obtain free or subsidized screenings. Eisenhower Health and the LGBT Community Center of the Desert will hold a virtual panel discussion at 4 p.m. Several of Russo's family members have been affected by colorectal cancer, which is when polyps grow on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.