Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. It is the fourth most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer.
Each year, more than 136,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 50,000 die of the disease.With certain types of screening, this cancer can be prevented by removing polyps (grape-like growths on the wall of the intestine) before they become cancerous. Several screening tests detect colorectal cancer early, when it can be easily and successfully treated.
You may also be at higher risk if you are African American, smoke, or have a family history of colorectal cancer. Everyone can take these healthy steps to help prevent colorectal cancer:
Get screened starting at age 50.
Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
Get plenty of physical activity and eat healthy.
Read more about the signs, prevention and how to discuss it with your physician by visiting the Prevent Cancer Foundation.