Cancer is a disease process where abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably in the body.
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum.
The colon and rectum are both parts of the digestive system. Specifically, they form the large intestine.
Who does colorectal cancer affect?
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among men and women and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States.
Approximately 1 in 22 men and 1 in 24 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
152,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 52,000 people die from colorectal cancer per year in the United States.
Colorectal cancer is most often diagnosed between the ages of 45 and 75.
How can I prevent colorectal cancer?
In most cases, people with early colorectal cancer do not have symptoms.
Screening tests are designed to find cancers before they cause symptoms.
Many colorectal cancers and deaths can be prevented by increasing the use of established screening tests.
Average risk: Adults at average risk of developing colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 45.
Higher risk: African-Americans are at higher risk. People with a family history of colorectal cancer should begin at age 40 or earlier.
