Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the US. It is a disease that often starts as a polyp inside the colon or rectum when cells in these areas grow out of control.

​

Colorectal cancer patients do not always experience symptoms, but the most common ones include changes in bowel habits, anemia, vomiting, weight loss, and bloody stools.

 

Screening for colorectal cancer is commonly done through a colonoscopy. During this exam, a tube is inserted into the rectum, and a video camera allows doctors to see the inside of the colon. A doctor will perform a biopsy to test for cancerous cells if a polyp or abnormal tissue is found.  

​

Other screening methods include stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and CT colonoscopy. 

​

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends that adults begin regular screenings for colorectal cancer at the age of 45. However, prevention can (and should) start much earlier than this.