Cancer Facts

Colorectal Cancer

• Colorectal, or colon cancer usually begins with the development of benign colonic polyps. Polyps form when cells lining the colon grow, divide and reproduce in an unhealthy, disorderly way, producing a growth.
• These polyps can be cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body by invading the colon wall and the surrounding blood vessels.
• Colorectal cancer often begins with no symptoms.

• Colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S., and the third most common cancer overall.
• This year, approximately 131,600 new cases will be diagnosed.
• Eighty to 90 million Americans (or 25 percent of the U.S. population) are considered at risk for colon cancer because of age or other factors.

• Men and women aged 50 and older are at almost equal risk of developing colorectal cancer.
• Those who have a personal or family history of colorectal neoplasia (cancer or polyps) are at high risk of developing the disease.
• Anyone who has a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, is also at high risk.

• Know your family history. Genetic factors may determine a person's susceptibility to the disease, whereas dietary and other lifestyle factors may determine which at-risk individuals actually go on to develop the disease.
• See your doctor for yearly screenings if you are aged 50 or older.
• Maintain a diet low in animal fat and high in fruits, vegetables and fiber
• Exercise regularly.
• Prevent obesity.
• Avoid cigarette smoking.