Colorectal Cancer

Testing Saves Lives

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum.  The colon and the rectum are parts of the large intestine, which is the lower part of the body’s digestive system.  During disgestion, food moves through the stomach and small intestine into the colon.  The colon absorbs water and nutrients from the food and stores waste matter (stool).  Stool moves from the colon into the rectum before it leaves the body.

Colorectal cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp, which may form on the inner wall of the colon or rectum.  Some polyps become cancer over time.  Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men and women in the U.S. Deaths from the colorectal cancer have decreased with the use of colonoscopy and fecal occult blood tests, which check for blood in the stool.  Talk with your doctor about when you should begin routine screening for colorectal cancer, and which test(s) you should have.

–Source:  National Cancer Institute