What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. Every year, more than 130,000 new patients are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 colon cancer-related deaths occur. Colorectal cancer begins in either the colon or the rectum. Both are part of the digestive tract, also called the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. This is where food is processed to create energy and rid the body of waste.

How does colorectal cancer develop?
Colorectal cancer occurs when the cells that line the colon (also called the large intestine or large bowel) or the rectum (lower portion of the colon) become abnormal and grow out of control. Unfortunately, many colorectal cancers are "silent" tumors until they are advanced and produce symptoms. However, through regular screenings, colorectal cancer is preventable, and curable, if detected early.

What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?
With more than 90 percent of cases diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50, the primary risk factor for colorectal cancer is age. A personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease also increases your risk. Other risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
In its early stages, colorectal cancer usually causes no symptoms. For this reason, it is very important to have regular colorectal cancer prevention examinations, or screenings. When symptoms are present, the cancer may still be curable if not ignored. One of the signs of colon cancer may be rectal bleeding. Often tumors bleed only small amounts intermittently, and evidence of the blood is found only during chemical testing of the stool. This is called occult bleeding—it is not always visible to the naked eye. When tumors have grown larger, other symptoms may develop. The symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

Rectal bleeding should not be presumed to be hemorrhoids until other causes are ruled out. People with unexplained rectal bleeding should make an appointment for a colorectal cancer screening.

Going to the doctor so he or she can check the colon for polyps and cancer is the next important step. Screening recommendations depend upon an individual's risk of colorectal cancer. The goal is to identify people at high risk of developing colon cancer and screen them earlier than the general population.

What are the types of colorectal cancer screenings I can receive?

Fecal Occult Blood Test - A test that is used to check for blood in the stool. Cancers or polyps can bleed, and this test is used to detect small amounts of bleeding.

Digital rectal exam - An exam in which the doctor feels for abnormal areas by inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum.

Sigmoidoscopy - An examination of the lower colon and rectum using a lighted instrument called a sigmoid scope.

Double Contrast Barium Enema - An X-ray series of the colon and rectum. The enema is given with a solution that contains barium that outlines the colon and rectum on X-rays.

Colonoscopy - An examination of the rectum and the entire colon using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope.

Talk to your primary care physician about your risk factors or to schedule a screening test. Talk to your family to see if anyone has had polyps or cancer in the colon, rectum, uterus, breast or any gland.