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Colorectal Cancer >
Screen for Life > Colorectal Cancer Information
Colorectal Cancer Information
Quick Facts on Colorectal Cancer
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- Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum.
The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the
passageway connecting the colon to the anus.
- It's the 2nd leading cancer killer in the United States. In 2004,
an estimated 146,940 new cases of colorectal cancer (cancer of the
colon or rectum) will be diagnosed in the United States, and 56,730
men and women will die of the disease.1
- Colorectal cancer is most common in men and women aged 50 years or
older and the risk increases with age. More than 90% of cases are
diagnosed in people over age 50.
- Many cases of colorectal cancer could be prevented if everyone
aged 50 years or older had regular screening exams.
- Screening is the best way to find colorectal polyps (abnormal
growths) in the colon or rectum, so they can be removed before they
become cancerous. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early,
when treatment can be most effective.
1Source: Cancer Facts and Figures, American
Cancer Society, 2004. |
 Colorectal
cancer, or cancer of the
colon or rectum,
is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States,
after lung cancer. Recent evidence, however, suggests that there are ways to
reduce your risk of getting this disease. The best way is to start having
colorectal cancer screening tests
beginning at age 50.*
Polyps and colorectal cancer don't always cause symptoms, especially at
first. That's why screening is so important. You could have precancerous
growths called polyps, and not even know it.
But screening helps find polyps, so they can be removed before they turn
into cancer. Treatment can be most effective with early detection. Screening
also helps find colorectal cancer when it is in an early stage, when
treatment works best.
So if you are aged 50 or older and have not been screened for colorectal
cancer, see your doctor or health care professional and get tested.
* If you are at increased risk for developing colorectal
cancer, you may need to begin screening at an earlier age and be tested more
often than other people. Your risk may be increased if you or a close
relative have a history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer, or if you
have inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease).
Speak with your doctor to determine the best screening strategy. |
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