Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know
Author
Matt Zarcufsky
Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer
Date
March 9, 2026
Reading Time
1
min.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to elevate understanding about one of the most preventable—and treatable—forms of cancer when detected early. At Tower Cancer Research Foundation, we are committed not only to advancing innovative early-stage cancer research, but also to ensuring that individuals and families facing cancer have the support, resources, and community they need to thrive.
Why Colorectal Cancer Awareness Matters
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among both men and women in the United States, with the fastest growing number of cases occurring in adults under the age of 50. While these numbers are sobering, there is also powerful hope: screening saves lives.
When detected early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. In fact, regular screening can even prevent cancer by identifying and removing precancerous polyps before they develop into something more serious. Yet many people delay or avoid screening due to fear, stigma, or misunderstanding.
This month, we encourage everyone to:
- Talk with their healthcare provider about appropriate screening.
- Understand their family history.
- Learn the warning signs and symptoms.
- Share information with loved ones.
Prevention and early detection are among the most effective tools we have in reducing cancer mortality.
The Importance of Early Detection
Colorectal cancer often develops silently, with few noticeable symptoms in its earliest stages. Screening options—including colonoscopy and at-home tests—make it possible to detect cancer early, when treatment outcomes are strongest.
Screening guidelines now recommend beginning regular screening at age 45 for individuals at average risk, and earlier for those with a family history or other risk factors. Early action makes an extraordinary difference.
Supporting Survivors Beyond Treatment
At Tower Cancer Research Foundation, our mission extends beyond the laboratory. We recognize that cancer impacts every aspect of a person’s life—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Through Magnolia House, our supportive care and survivorship center, we provide programs designed to nurture healing and resilience for those living with and surviving cancer through health and wellness, nutrition, and mental health programs.
Matt Zarcufsky
Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer
Matt Zarcufsky serves as the Executive Director & Chief Philanthropy Officer of Tower Cancer Research Foundation, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that advances early-stage cancer research to accelerate breakthroughs and delivers community support for patients to improve their lives. In this role, he leads the Foundation’s philanthropic strategy, major gift development, and organizational operations to accelerate breakthroughs in research and expand programs that improve the lives of those affected by cancer. Matt brings extensive experience in all facets of nonprofit organization management and institutional advancement, including organizational governance, major gift development, annual giving, capital and endowment campaigns, government relations, strategic development and planning, and communications.
A graduate of Villanova University School of Business with a degree in Finance, Matt has previously served as President and Administrator of the Mary Jo and Hank Greenberg Animal Welfare Foundation and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro, California and the Board of Councilors for the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Los Angeles Chapter and holds the designation of Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).
Born and raised in suburban Washington, DC, Matt resides in Los Angeles, CA, with his wife, Shana, their children, Jake and Samantha, and rescue dogs, Simba, Sunshine, and Floppy.
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Support the Journey
When you donate to Tower, you’re not supporting a single study. You’re part of an ecosystem that believes the next breakthrough is out there, waiting for someone to believe in it first. Every gift puts resources directly behind the discoveries that would otherwise never see the light of day.