On Nov. 19, 1999, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month was established with a declaration by the U.S. Senate, followed shortly by a resolution of the U.S. House of Representatives and an official proclamation by the White House.

While colorectal cancer affects both men and women in almost equal numbers, and is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. – there are several screening methods available, making the disease highly preventable.