Colorectal cancer in 2008 took the lives of over 50,000 people in the United States. Virtual colonoscopies have played a pivotal role in attempting to prevent colon cancer related deaths, however the numbers are still increased for African Americans. The reason behind this association and link is still relatively unknown amongst medical professionals, which is why experts are urging African Americans over 45 to get annual scans and check-ups. In Medical Procedure News the website said, "The American Gastroenterological Association now recommends that African Americans undergo colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45, according to Romnee Clark, M.D., associate professor of clinical medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine and researcher at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center."