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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH/AP) -- March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and organizers hope a 5K race in Columbia will help raise awareness for the disease.

The Colorectal Cancer Walk & Race was held Saturday at Maxcy Gregg Park in Columbia. Last year, more than 400 participants helped raise more than $32,000 for Palmetto Health Cancer Centers. Proceeds will go towards getting the less fortunate screened.

Every year, more than 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die from it. Organizers say it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.

This year's theme was "Lace Up and Face Up", and organizers hope to raise $50,000.

Event Manager Jenna Dingus said the goal is to get people to get checked.

"The thing about colorectal cancer is that it is actually a preventable and treatable form of cancer if it is detected early," Dingus said. "So what we want to do is spread the message that you need to have open communication with your doctor. It is not a comfortable topic for a lot of people, but we just want to encourage people."

WACH's Tyler Ryan and Janet Parker were in attendance to show their support. WACH is a proud sponsor of the race.