9 facts about colon cancer

Most colorectal cancers first develop as polyps, which are abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum. They can become cancerous if they aren't removed.

2. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. 

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance says one in 23 adults will get it in the course of their lifetime. While most cases are attributed to people 50 years or older, cases in younger people are on the rise.

3. The American Cancer Society says men and women should start regular screenings for colorectal cancers at age 45. 

4. There are several types of screenings for colorectal cancer, but they are broken down into two groups: stool-based tests and visual exams of the colon-rectum.

5. People are at increased risk for colorectal cancers if they have a family history of the disease, have had it before, have had radiation to their abdominal or pelvic area.

6. The colon is also referred to as the large intestine.

It removes water, salt and some nutrients to produce stool. The colon is 5 feet long and weighs 4 pounds on average.

7. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons says 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed this year.

Fifty-six thousand people will die of the disease this year.

What are the warning signs for colorectal cancer? Here is a list from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

8. A colectomy is the removal of some, or all of the colon.

A human being can live without a colon, but the body needs another route to rid itself of waste.

9. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation details two common options for creating an alternate path once a colectomy is performed.

The first, an ileastomy, a surgically created hole in the abdominal wall that allows stools to pass. The second, an ileoanal pouch anal anastomosis, creates an internal pouch connected to the anus, which allows stools to pass naturally.