The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 100,000 men and women living in the United States will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2013. Statistically, colon and rectal cancers rectum are often combined and referred to as colorectal cancer. This addition brings the total to more than 140,000 people affected, including more than 50,000 diagnoses resulting in death (American Cancer Society, 2013). Globally, the impact of this disease affected more than a million people in 2008, with more than 600,000 deaths attributed to colorectal cancer (Dusek, Maluskova, & Musik, 2013). Colon cancer can be prevented through a healthy diet and exercise and can be cured through regular bowel exams. . However, signs and symptoms of colon cancer usually do not appear until the cancer is advanced, leading to a less favorable prognosis. Routine colon screenings can lead to diagnosis at an early stage of progression and can reduce the number of deaths from this disease, even when the individual is genetically predisposed to colon cancer (Colon Cancer, 2013). The colon is an integral part of the immune system. digestive system. It includes the last five or six feet of the intestines. There are four layers of tissue that make up the colon. The mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer and serosa. Material moves fairly quickly through the lumen of the small intestine and the majority of nutrients are absorbed. Then the waste travels slowly through the lumen of the colon where water is absorbed and fibers are broken down by bacteria. This process forms fecal matter which is then stored in the colon until peristaltic waves of smooth muscle continue motility toward the rectum and anus for defecation (Butler, Lewis, & Shier, 2013). Certain factors increase the risk of epithela in an individual. .... middle of paper ......n tumor for a certain period of time to avoid relapse of the disease (McCartney & Oberleitner, 2011). Colon cancer can be a life-threatening disease, or it can be stopped before it even starts. A healthy preventative diet of lean meats and high-fiber foods, accompanied by a physically active lifestyle, can reduce the risk of this disease forming in the colon. Prevention strategies should also include routine colocoscopies for those at risk, whether due to age or history. This early detection tool is crucial to provide insight into the current condition of the colon. While colon cancer is unavoidable, people who have regular bowel screenings have a better prognosis than those who don't. Waiting until symptoms appear often reduces the rate of remission. However, effective treatments are available for all stages of colon cancer and the result is a longer life..