Fact:At least 6 out of every 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely.

Fact:The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2011 about 141,210 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the US.

Fact:The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2011 about 49,380 people died of colorectal cancer in the US.

Fact:Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer.

Fact:Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the US.

Fact:Overall, 90% of new cases and 94% of deaths occur in individuals 50 and older.

Fact:Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are highest in African American men and women.

Fact:One of the most consistently reported relationships between colon cancer risk and behavior is the protective effect of physical activity.

Fact:The goals of screening for colorectal cancer are the prevention of cancer through the detection and removal of precancerous growths and the diagnosis of cancers at an early stage.

Colon Cancer FAQ

What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is cancer of the lining of the colon and/or the rectum. The cells in the colon grow abnormally, creating growths called polyps. Some polyps start out as non-cancerous (benign) growths, but they can become cancerous if not removed.

What are the risk factors for colon cancer?
Age is the most common risk factor. Those age 50 and older are the most likely to develop colon cancer. Colon cancer can run in families. Because of this, people who have a parent or sibling who have had colon cancer or polyps are at higher risk. People with inflammatory bowel disease may also be at higher risk for colon cancer.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Many people do not have any symptoms in the early stages of colon cancer, so they may not even know they have it. Some people may experience a change in bowel movements, blood in the stool, bloating, cramping, stomach pain, or weight loss or fatigue with no explainable cause.

How is colon cancer detected?
Since colon cancer often has no symptoms, routine screening for this type of cancer is very important. There are several tests your doctor can perform. The best method for detecting colon cancer is a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, pre-cancerous polyps may be discovered. These polyps can be removed during the exam, which can prevent them from developing into colon cancer.

Who should be screened for colon cancer?
The American Cancer Society recommends that every American over age 50 be screened for colon cancer. People who have a higher risk for the disease may begin routine screening at an earlier age. Anyone 50 or older should talk to their doctor about the various screening options that are available.

What are the screening options?
There are several methods that can be used to detect colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about which one is best for you.

Why are these screening tests important?
The best way to prevent colon cancer is to find and remove colon polyps before they become cancerous. If cancer has already developed, treatment is most successful early in the disease, before it has grown throughout the colon or spread to other parts of the body. When colon cancer is detected and treated early, more than 90% of patients make a complete recovery. Screening tests are the only way to find polyps or cancer cells early when survival rates are at their highest.