Description

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. As the drawing shows, the colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best. If you have symptoms, they may include : ● A change in bowel habits. ● Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement). ● Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way. ● Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away. ● Losing weight and you don’t know why. Your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older. Other risk factors include having : ● Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. ● A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps. ● A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome). Lifestyle factors that may contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer include : ● Lack of regular physical activity. ● A diet low in fruit and vegetables. ● A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats. ● Overweight and obesity. ● Alcohol consumption. ● Tobacco use. Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best. If you have symptoms, they may include : ● A change in bowel habits. ● Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement). ● Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way. ● Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away. ● Losing weight and you don’t know why.