March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and doctors are making a big push for people to get screened.

The disease is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, claiming about 50,000 lives each year.

Donna Hoffman, of Medford, says she is having her first colonoscopy in a few weeks. She says her sister-in-law was diagnosed with colon cancer a few years ago after her first check-up. Hoffman, 50, told News 12 that it was a wake-up call for her family.

"Cancer isn't only an individual's experience. It really touches a whole family. All of us lived through her experience with chemotherapy and surgery," says Hoffman.

Typical colon cancer screenings last about 30 minutes.

According to the American Cancer Society, men and women with an average risk should begin screenings for colon cancer at age 50.

Appointments can be made over the phone by calling the Stony Brook Cancer Center at 631-444-COLON.