Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the U.S. but the number
of deaths is dropping, thanks to advanced screening techniques. Get the facts here,
including signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer, stages of tumor growth, and the
best ways to manage your treatment.
Title: What is colorectal cancer?
Next to skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in
both men and women in the United States.
Colorectal cancer means cancer of the colon, rectum or both. The colon and rectum
are components of the large intestine. The first 6 feet of the large intestine make
up your colon, and the last 8 to 10 inches form your rectum.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2008 there were 108,070 new cases
of colon cancer and 40,740 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States.
Colorectal cancer often starts as a polyp, which is a growth of tissue in the colon
or rectum. If a polyp is found early, a surgeon can easily remove it. However, if
the polyp becomes a cancerous tumor, it can grow and spread in the body.
The good news is the death rate from colorectal cancer is decreasing thanks to advanced
colorectal cancer screening. If found, many polyps may be removed before they ever
turn into cancer.