Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The University of South Carolina's Center for Colon Cancer Research is kicking off Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr. Frank Berger is the center's director. On Wednesday, he is discussing the outlook for colon cancer in South Carolina and some of the research being done in his center's labs.

Berger is also giving an overview of activities planned around the state during March.

The university says colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the country. Last year, there were 2,140 new cases in South Carolina and 770 deaths.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)