Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum. The colon is
the large intestine or large bowel and the rectum is the
passageway connecting the colon to the anus. Who gets colorectal
cancer? Colorectal cancer occurs most often in people age 50 or
older. The risk increases with age. Both men and women can get
colorectal cancer. If you are 50 or older, talk to your doctor
about getting screened. Did you know that colorectal cancer is
the second leading cancer killer in the U.S.? Among cancers that
affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second
leading cancer killer in the U.S. However, if everyone age 50 or
older had regular screening colonoscopies, at least 60 percent
of deaths from this cancer would be avoided. Am I at a high
risk? Your risk for colorectal cancer may be higher than average
if: - You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or
colorectal cancer. - You have inflammatory bowel disease. - You
have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis
(FAP) or hereditary non