The Deborah Kay Foundation raises money for the purpose of colon cancer research and awareness. It is estimated that 74,630 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in 2007 and an estimated 26,180 women will die of the disease, making colorectal cancer the third leading cause of cancer death among women. These rates are based on NCI's SEER cancer statistics review.
The foundation was established by Tiffany Orshalick, the daughter of a colon cancer survivor. Her goal is to raise awareness about the need for colonoscopies. Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms do appear, they vary based on the size and location of the cancer. Usually colon cancer screenings occur when you turn 50, but if you have a family history of polyps or cancer, you should get checked even earlier.