What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, refers to malignant tumors that develop in the lining of the colon or rectum. It starts as a growth called a polyp inside the inner lining of the colon or rectum and over time can develop into cancer. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States and worldwide.

Risk Factors

There are certain risk factors that can increase a person's chances of developing colorectal cancer including:

- Age: The majority of cases are diagnosed in people over 50 years old. The risk increases significantly after age 40.

- Family history: People with a family history of it or certain types of colon polyps in a close relative have a higher risk. Genetic conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer also raise risk levels.

- Diet: A diet high in red and Colorectal Cancer Screening processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables can contribute to risk over time. Excess body weight and lack of physical activity are additional risk enhancing elements.

- Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis that cause long-term inflammation of the intestines ups risk.

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