Myth: Colon cancer is a white man's disease

Colon cancer affects men and women equally, and it affects all races. In 2010, there were 102, 900 new cases of colon cancer (49,470 in men and 53,430 in women), according to the American Cancer Society. About equal numbers will die from the disease: 52,000 Americans altogether.

The number one risk factor for colon cancer is age.

Credit: istockphoto