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Prevention/Detection
Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn't have to be. More from Colon Cancer Alliance
Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should use one of the screening tests below. The tests that are designed to find both early cancer and polyps are preferred if these tests are available to you and you are willing to have one of these more invasive tests. More from American Cancer Society
The exact causes of colorectal cancer are not known. However, studies have shown that certain factors are linked to an increased chance of developing this disease. More from National Cancer Institute
You can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer by making changes in your everyday life. More from Mayo Clinic
Colorectal cancer can affect anyone — men and women alike — and your risk increases with age. However, over 15,000 individuals in the U.S. are diagnosed under the recommended screening age of 50 each year. Some people are at greater risk for the disease than others. More from National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable
Screening
Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best. More from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Screening tests are used to look for disease in people who do not have any symptoms. In many cases, these tests can find colorectal cancers at an early stage and greatly improve the chances of successful treatment. More from American Cancer Society
Screening tests for colon cancer are extremely important for detecting and removing pre-cancerous polyps. More from American Gastroenterological Association
Cancer of the colon and rectum, called colorectal cancer, is the second-leading cancer-related killer in the United States. But it doesn't have to be. Colorectal cancer is one cancer that is, in many cases, preventable. More from Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health
Screening is done on individuals who do not necessarily have any signs or symptoms that may indicate cancer. If symptoms exist, then diagnostic workups are done rather than screening. These are the tests recommended for colorectal cancer screening and some general pros and cons for each. More from American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Treatment
Different types of treatment are available for patients with colon cancer. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials. A treatment clinical trial is a research study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with cancer. More from National Cancer Institute
For colon cancers that have not spread to distant sites, surgery is usually the primary or first treatment. More from American Cancer Society
The choice of treatment depends mainly on the location of the tumor in the colon or rectum and the stage of the disease. More from Colon Cancer Alliance
Colorectal cancer requires surgery in nearly all cases for complete cure. Radiation and chemotherapy are sometimes used in addition to surgery. Between 80-90% are restored to normal health if the cancer is detected and treated in the earliest stages. More from The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
