Colorectal cancer is a cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.
The 2nd-leading killing cancer
Colorectal cancer is the 2nd-leading killing cancer in the United States. This does not have to be like that. If everybody from the age of 50 upwards does make regular screening tests, at least one-third of the deaths from this cancer could be avoided. So, if you are 50 or older, start testing now.
Who gets colorectal cancer?
- Men and women of any racial or ethnic group can get colorectal cancer.
- Colorectal cancer most often is found in people 50 and older.
- As we get older, the risk to suffer from colorectal cancer increases.
Are you at high risk?
Your risk for colorectal cancer may be higher than average if:
- You or a close relative has had colorectal polyps (growths) or colorectal cancer; or
- You have inflammatory bowel disease (such as colitis or Crohn’s disease).
If any of this is true for you, you may need to begin testing earlier or have tests more frequently than other people. Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening and how often you should be tested.
Screening saves lives
If you’re 50 or older, getting a screening test for colorectal cancer could save your life.
Here’s how:
- Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps in the colon or rectum.
- Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.
- Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
- Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early. When this cancer is found early, the chances of being cured are good.
Colorectal cancer can start with no symptoms
Polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at the beginning. This means that someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer not knowing it. That is why having a
screening test is so important.
What are the symptoms?
Some people with colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer do have symptoms, which may include:
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
- Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that happen a lot without any clear reason.
- A change in bowel habits, such as having stools that are thinner than usually.
- Losing weight without any reason.