Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Each year, 1 in 20 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer (a type of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum).

However, colorectal cancer is 90 percent preventable with early detection. Colorectal cancer screening tests can find precancerous polyps (a small clump of cells that forms on the lining of the colon or rectum), which can be removed before they turn into cancer.

Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. You could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That’s why having a screening test is so important.

If you’re older than 45, it’s time to see us for your first screening. Then, keep getting screened regularly, as determined by your doctor.

Are you at risk?

Although the exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, here are some risk factors to watch out for:

• More than 90 percent of cases occur in people who are 45 years old or older
• Colorectal cancer is more prevalent in African Americans
• If you suffer from Inflammatory bowel disease
• Personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
• If you suffer from Type 2 diabetes
• Poor lifestyle choices (such as obesity or lack of exercise)