Quick Facts on Colorectal Cancer
It's the 2nd leading cancer killer in the United States, after lung cancer.
Colorectal cancer is most common in men and women aged 50 years and older and the risk increases with age, with 93% of cases diagnosed in people 50 or older.
Many cases of colorectal cancer could be prevented by having regular screening exams beginning at age 50.
Screening is the best way to find polyps before they become cancerous. Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment can be most effective.
Colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon or rectum, is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States after lung cancer. Recent evidence, however, suggests that there are ways to reduce your risk of getting this disease. The good news is that having screening tests beginning at age 50 to find precancerous growths called polyps saves lives. Removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment can be most effective.
Here's another reason why regular screening is so important for all Americans over age 50: colorectal cancer develops with few or no symptoms at first.
So if you are 50 or older and have not been screened for colorectal cancer, it is time to talk with your doctor or health care professional about getting screened.
