Colorectal Cancer

Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. Caught early, it is often curable.

It is more common in people over 50, and the risk increases with age. You are also more likely to get it if you have

• Polyps - growths inside the colon and rectum that may become cancerous
• A diet that is high in fat
• A family history or personal history of colorectal cancer
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

Symptoms can include blood in the stool, narrower stools, a change in bowel habits and general stomach discomfort. However, you may not have symptoms at first, so screening is important. Everyone who is 50 or older should be screened for colorectal cancer. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination.

From National Library of Medicine

Colorectal Cancer Health Center by WebMD

Colorectal cancer is diagnosed in more than 130,000 people each year in the U.S. alone. Get in-depth information here on colorectal cancer -- or colon cancer -- including articles on causes, symptoms, prevention, and promising treatments.

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