In America, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death among men and women. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control has taken a step to improve the condition by awarding $22.8 million to increase screening for colorectal cancer among people who are the maximum risk for the disease and least likely to be tested.

The CDC said more than 130,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancer are diagnosed every year. Dr. Lisa Richardson, director of CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, said, "We know that colorectal cancer screening can prevent illness and death from colorectal cancer. The more people that are screened, the fewer cases of this cancer we'll see in the future".

The grant has been awarded to 24 state health departments, six universities, and one American Indian tribe. The states will be required to target the screening at adult men and women aged between 50 and 75 showing no symptoms of the disease.

The ideal candidates to receive screening are low-income, under- or uninsured, racial and ethnic groups. Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the CDC was of the view screening can save lives. The funds will help doctors, nurses and other to save the lives of people who face maximum risk.

Among the states receiving funds include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delware, Florida, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington state and Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota.