March is colon cancer awareness month and for a Jacksonville family it also marks almost a year since the death of Tiffany Ortiz, a 32-year-old mom who died from the disease.
Her husband, mother, and twin sister are now advocating for more screenings, especially with COVID-19 delaying doctors visits.
VIDEO: Dr. Aquino: Colon cancer awareness month
The cancer is treatable if detected early.
60% of colon cancer deaths could be prevented just by finding it early, according to Clinical Oncology News.
Colon cancer makes up the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. among men and women combined.
Baptist Health doctors have seen a decrease in the number of people going to get their regular check up and screenings, like colonoscopies.
They’re worried it could have a negative ripple effect. That’s why Ortiz’s family and friends are a part of a new awareness campaign called No More Excuses.