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Colorectal Cancer is One of the Most Treatable Cancers When Detected Early

Only 37 percent of colorectal cancers are currently diagnosed at an early stage.* Colorectal cancer and polyps do not always cause symptoms. Screening is the most realistic approach to reducing new cases by finding non-cancerous colorectal polyps and removing them before they become cancerous.

Who Should Be Screened?
The exact causes of colorectal cancer are not known. However, studies show that the following risk factors increase a person's chances of developing colorectal cancer:

Age:

Screening is recommended for all adults age 50 or older. African Americans should be screened at age 45.   

Diet:

Colorectal cancer seems to be associated with diets that are high in fat and calories and low in fiber. Researchers are continuing to explore how dietary factors play a role in maintaining a healthy colon.

 

Polyps:

Benign growths on the inner wall of the colon and rectum. They are fairly common in people over age 50. Some types of polyps increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer. A rare, inherited condition called familial polyposis causes hundreds of polyps to form in the colon and rectum. Unless this condition is treated, familial polyposis is almost certain to lead to colorectal cancer.

 

Personal Medical History:

Research shows that women with a history of cancer of the ovary, uterus, or breast have a somewhat increased chance of developing colorectal cancer. Also, a person who has already had colorectal cancer may develop this disease a second time.

 

Family Medical History:

First-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) of a person who has had colorectal cancer are somewhat more likely to develop this type of cancer themselves, especially if the relative had the cancer at a young age.

 

Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s Disease:

Conditions in which the lining of the bowel or colon becomes inflamed, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, increases a person's chance of developing colorectal cancer. People may want to discuss risk factors with a health care provider, who may be able to suggest ways to reduce the chances of developing colorectal cancer and plan an appropriate schedule for checkups, including colorectal cancer screening.

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