Colon cancer attacks the body's digestive system, including the large and small intestines. The disease is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States among both men and women. Each year, approximately 147,500 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed and 57,100 Americans lose their lives to the disease.

The earlier this type of cancer is discovered and treated, the greater the chances of survival for the patient. Screenings, including colonoscopy, can identify early cancer and even prevent the disease when precancerous polyps are discovered and removed.