Colorectal, or colon cancer, is a significant health problem in the United States and the rest of the world. It is the third most common cancer throughout the world. In the United States, it is the second most common cancer among men and women. Although there are signs that deaths from this disease are slowing down, it still accounts for about 10% of all forms of cancer diagnosed every year.

The general public is not very knowledgeable when it comes to colon cancer. While this disease has been quietly ignored for decades, other forms of cancer have been grabbing the headlines. Lung, breast, prostate, ovary, have received more publicity and research money for years.

Fortunately, awareness of colon cancer has begun to increase. The public is becoming aware of how important screening for this disease has become. While breast cancer can be detected early by mammography, and prostate cancer by PSA blood testing, colon cancer can be detected before its malignant stage when prevention or cure is possible.

The development of fiberoptic endoscopy in recent decades has changed our way of thinking about colon cancer, and has provided great knowledge about the history of this terrible disease. It is a disease that is confined to a distinct part of the body that can be found through direct examination.

With increasing awareness, knowledge, and new medical discoveries and procedures, there are possibilities that this disease will be completely eliminated in future decades. And because of screening and early diagnosis, the number of cases of colorectal cancer have, and will continue to decline in recent years.