Basic Information About Colorectal Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the colon or rectum, it is called colorectal cancer. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short.

Colorectal cancer affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people who are 50 years old or older.

Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—so that they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment often leads to a cure. About nine out of every 10 people whose colorectal cancers are found early and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.

If you are 50 years old or older, get screened now. If you think you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, and how often to get tested.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short.

What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?

Your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older, and there are other risk factors.

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Colorectal Cancer?

The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is by having regular colorectal cancer screening tests beginning at age 50.

What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. See a list of possible symptoms.

What Should I Know About Screening?

Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

Colorectal Cancer Personal Screening Stories

Several people who had screening tests for colorectal cancer describe why they did it and what the experience was like for them.