Colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon or rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. IN 2002, 139,534 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (70,651 men and 68,883 women). Many studies show that regular screening for the disease reduces the death rates.
Reducing the number of deaths depends on detecting and removing pre-cancerous colorectal polyps or growths, as well as detecting and treating the cancer in its early stages. Colorectal polyps can be in the colon for years before invasive cancer develops.
Polyps and colorectal cancer do not always cause symptoms, especially at first. Some possible symptoms could be:
-Blood in or on your stool
-Unexplained or frequent pain, aches or cramping of abdomen.
-Changes in bowel habits, such as stools that are narrower than usual.
-Unexplained weight loss.
These symptoms may be caused by causes other than cancer. To know what the cause is, see your physician.
Consult with your physician about your colorectal cancer screening.
Remember colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable.
For more information, check the following websites:
www.cdc.gov/colorectalcancer/
www.cdc.gov/colorectalcancer/basic_info/colorectal_cancer_screening.htm
www.cdc.gov/colorectalcancer/basic_info/fast_facts.htm