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.

Diseases

Diverticulosis

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Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small out-pouchings (called diverticuli) or sacs that can develop in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. While diverticuli can be present anywhere in the entire digestive tract, they are most common on the left side of the large intestine, the area known as the descending and sigmoid colon.

diverticulosis

Diverticulosis is a common disorder especially in older people. The condition is rarely seen in people under the age of 30 and is most common in those over 60. Both men and women are equally affected.

Causes
No one knows for certain why diverticulosis develops; however, a few theories have been suggested. Abnormal contraction and spasm (resulting in intermittent high pressure in the colon) may cause diverticula to form in a weak spot of the intestinal wall. Constipation leads to excess intra-colonic pressure and is thought to be responsible for some cases of diverticulosis. A diet rich in fiber (bran cereals, whole wheat breads, fresh fruits, and leafy vegetables) may decrease the development of diverticulosis, improve symptoms of constipation and decrease the likelihood of complications. Benefits of a high fiber diet may be seen in those who eat between 15 and 30 grams of fiber a day. Unfortunately, people in the United States generally only consume 8-12 grams a day. Diverticulosis does not appear to be associated with alcohol, smoking or caffeine consumption. There also appears to be a genetic predisposition. Once diverticuli have formed they do not go away.

Diagnosis
Most patients with diverticulosis have no symptoms. Many will never know they have the condition until it is discovered during a colonoscopy or radiographic examination. While most people have no symptoms, some individuals may experience pain or discomfort in the abdomen, bloating, and/or a change in bowel habits.

Diverticulosis is generally discovered through one of the following examinations:

Colonoscopy
Virtual Colonoscopy
CT scan
Barium enema