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General Information About Colorectal Cancer
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Colorectal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer)
cells form in the tissues of the colon or the rectum.
The colon and rectum are parts of the body's digestive system. The digestive system removes and
processes nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and
water) from foods and helps pass waste material out of the body. The digestive
system is made up of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and the small and large
intestines. The first 6 feet of the
large intestine are called the large bowel or colon. The last 6 inches are the
rectum and the anal canal. The anal
canal ends at the anus (the opening
of the large intestine to the outside of the body). | Enlarge | | | | Anatomy of the lower digestive system, showing the colon and other organs. |
Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer, and cancer
that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancer that begins in either of
these organs may also be called colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from
cancer in the United States.
In recent years (1995-1999), the number of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer has stayed about the same, but the number of people who die from colorectal cancer has decreased. Colorectal cancer is found more often in men than
in women.
Studies show that screening for colorectal cancer decreases the number of deaths from this disease.
Age and health history can affect the risk of developing colon cancer.
Anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease
is called a risk factor. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include the
following:
Refer to the PDQ summary on Genetics of Colorectal Cancer for more information about family history and colorectal cancer screening.
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