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Colon Cancer Screening

Colorectal Cancer Screening

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Colorectal Cancer Screening

About Colorectal Cancer

About Colorectal Cancer

About Colorectal Cancer

  • Colorectal Cancer Facts
  • Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
  • Preventing Colorectal Cancer
  • When to Start Screening
  • Screening Options
  • Family History
  • Make an Appointment
  • Preparing for Colonoscopy
  • Video Gallery
  • Colorectal Cancer Facts
  • Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
  • Preventing Colorectal Cancer
  • When to Start Screening
  • Screening Options
  • Family History
  • Make an Appointment
  • Preparing for Colonoscopy
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  3. Colorectal Cancer Facts

Colorectal Cancer Facts

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What is colorectal cancer?

  • 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.
  • Over 140,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and over 50,000 people die from colorectal cancer per year in the United States.
  • Colorectal cancer is most often diagnosed between the ages of 50 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.
  • Adults at average risk of developing colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 50.
  • Some groups should begin screening earlier: African-Americans should have the first screening test at age 45. People with a family history of colorectal cancer should begin at age 40 or earlier.

Continue reading to learn more about

  • Colorectal cancer symptoms
  • Preventing colorectal cancer
  • Colorectal cancer screening: when to start
  • Your screening options
  • How to do the stool screening test
  • Family history
  • Preparing for your colonoscopy
  • Schedule a colonoscopy
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