Colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as “colon cancer”) is the number two cause of cancer death in men and women. Because this deadly disease shows no symptoms in its most curable stages, early detection through regular screening is the key to survival (cure rates are approximately 90%).
Colorectal cancer is cancer in the colon or rectum. It occurs when cells lining the colon or rectum begin to divide rapidly and form small tumours or pre-malignant polyps. Though usually benign, some of these polyps may become malignant or cancerous over time. If these cancerous cells grow into the wall of the colon or rectum, the cancer can spread to other organs (a process called “metastasis”).
Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
The following symptoms MAY be caused by colorectal cancer and are usually associated with later stages of the disease and poorer outcomes:
Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Age: colorectal cancer screening is recommended for everyone over the age of 50.
Additional Risk Factors:
Earlier screening should be considered for individuals with one or more of the following additional risk factors:
High-Risk Factors:
Earlier screening with regular colonoscopies is recommended for individuals with one or more of the following high-risk factors: